Barbara Peters

The world lost one of its most beautiful souls on Friday, March 18, 2022 with the passing of Barbara Strickland Peters. She passed peacefully in her home at 12:15am, surrounded by Maylan, the love of her life, and her family that she so loved.

Barbara was born on October 29, 1935 in Harnett County to Worth and Ola Stickland.

Her father left their family when she was only 7, and after her mother fell ill, Barbara left school in the 10th grade to work and support her mother and younger sister. She maintained that same incredible work ethic for the rest of her life!

Barbara will always be remembered for the way that she loved Jesus and for the way that she demonstrated His love to all those around her. Tens of thousands of people have experienced her love through her Sunday School teaching, worship leading, choir and youth life team leadership, small group leadership, serving in children’s ministry, working in (and directing) church youth camp for more than 40 years, and even serving as a youth pastor in her 70’s! Not only was she always willing to serve wherever there was a need, but she did so exuberantly, and with excellence!

Barbara’s faith was such a beautiful example to all of us. During her difficult battle with cancer over the last three years, she trusted the Lord’s plan, worshipped Him, and kept a joyful attitude. She continued to spend hours every morning praying over her “prayer list” of 200+ people as she had always done before! She was a powerful intercessor and the people in her life cherished (and will always treasure) every prayer that she prayed for them. No one knew her like her husband Maylan, and he recently recounted that, “for as long as I knew her, her faith NEVER wavered.”

In addition to her love of serving in her church, Barbara also enjoyed cooking big Sunday and holiday dinners for her family and for anyone else who didn’t have a place to go. She loved taking spontaneous afternoon rides with Maylan to visit friends and shut-ins, as well as watching church softball together and working alongside him in the shop. She loved to be anywhere Maylan was - their love story was always her favorite (for over 63 years - being married on June 8, 1958)!

Those left to cherish her memory include her lifelong love, husband Maylan Peters; brother Bob Robert and wife Sharon; son Craig Peters and wife Alina; daughter Donna Vines and husband Bill; grandchildren Brandon Peters and wife Ashley, Danielle Nickens and husband Ralph, Will Vines and wife Cameron, and Victoria Joyner and husband Justin. She also enjoyed 5 great grandchildren (Henry, Lucia, Aliza, Jace, and Cole), as well as many others who were impacted by her beautiful life. This is her legacy, as we all strive to follow in the footsteps that she set before us - in her unwavering love, faith, and service to Jesus Christ.

Friends are invited to attend the visitation Wednesday, March 23rd from 6-8pm as well as her celebration of life service Thursday, March 24th at 11am, both being held at Breezewood Church. The graveside service will follow at LaFayette Memorial Park on Ramsey Street.

A lieu of flowers, Mr. Maylon has  asked donations be made to Breezewood Church Building Fund in her honor.   Please mail donations to the church office at 3321 Legion Road, Hope Mills, NC 28384.