Elijah Peterson, Sr. was born November 8, 1940, in Aiken, South Carolina to the late Larfate Peterson and Dodie Mae Williams Peterson. After the family moved to Jacksonville, Florida, Elijah attended the public schools graduating from New Stanton High School, while attending Stanton he took great pride in playing the cornet with the Blue Devils Marching Band. In 1958, he received his diploma from New Stanton High School. He forged many lifelong friendships and gained many life experiences while playing organized sports; baseball, swimming, and later becoming a lifeguard at Julius Guinyard Park and Pool.

On October 23, 1961, Elijah was inducted into the United States Army. He served in the armed forces for six years and was a decorated Sharpshooter. Following his service to our country, In 1967, Elijah decided to return to Jacksonville, Florida and he made it his permanent residence.

Elijah met and later married the late Willie Bell Peterson. To this union three children were born; the late Elijah Jr., Valerie, and Laurie. He enjoyed a successful career working as an Environmental Specialist with UF Health Jacksonville for over twenty years.

Preceding him in death were his parents, LarFate Peterson and Dodie Mae Peterson; daughters, Sherri Ginn and Jacquelin Graham; son, Elijah Peterson, Jr.; and a brother, Theodore Peterson.

Elijah will be deeply missed by the many lives he touched and life lessons he taught. He leaves to cherish his memories, loving and devoted daughters, Chellene Stephens, Valerie Peterson-Wells (Marcus) and Laurie Peterson; Adoring grandchildren, Darnell Ginn, II (Brittany), James Mason, George Stephens, Justin Ginn, Aleia Asbey, Asia Stephens, Alexzia Wright, Angel Solomon, Angelo Solomon, and Alana Wells; a devoted brother; Willie Peterson; a loving son-n-law, Darnell Ginn, and many adoring nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends.