Jeanette Peterson Bangura, our dearly loved mother, sister, aunt, and friend, transitioned peacefully on her 63rd birthday, September 19, 2025. She was born on September 19, 1962, in Houston, Texas, to the late Israel Peterson Sr. and Nancy Peterson.

Affectionately known to many as Tina Mama, Jeanette was the baby of her family. She grew up in Houston’s Fifth Ward and graduated from Phyllis Wheatley High School in 1981. With a passion for caring for children, she later pursued higher education at Houston Community College, where she earned her degree in childcare. This path led her to Neighborhood Centers formerly Baker Ripley, where she built a fulfilling career beginning in the late 1990s and continuing faithfully until her passing.

Jeanette’s life was anchored in faith. She received Christ at an early age and later became a devoted member of Macedonia Worship Center in the late 2000s under the leadership of Bishop Walter and Pastor Cassandra Pope.

She lived a life filled with love, laughter, and joy. Jeanette cherished family gatherings, treasured every moment with her grandchildren, and enjoyed frequent trips to the casino with her sister and cousins. Her warm presence and unwavering support made her the heart of many memories.

Jeanette now joins in eternal rest those who preceded her in death: her parents, Israel Sr. and Nancy Peterson; both her paternal and fraternal grandparents; her husband, Arun Bangura; her baby boy, Alusine Bangura; and her brother, Larry Peterson.

She leaves behind a legacy of love through her two sons, Kerry Marcus Peterson and Arun Bangura; four grandchildren, Alexis Hector, Ja’Marus Hector, Deshawn Hector, and Liam Bangura; her brothers, Charles (Mosie) Arrington and Israel (Deborah Ann) Peterson; her sister, Joyce Ward; and her nephew whom she lovingly helped raise, Israel Peterson Jr. She is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, close friends, coworkers, and her church family who will miss her dearly.

Jeanette’s legacy of service, faith, and family devotion will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. Though she is no longer with us in body, her spirit will forever remain a source of comfort, strength, and inspiration.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jeanette (Peterson) Bangura, please visit our floral store.