Stella M. (McIntosh) Peterson

Stella M.Peterson, 80, of Vandalia, died peacefully Sunday, January 12, 2025, in the comfort of her family’s presence.

Her life began November 12, 1944 in Detroit, Michigan, one of four children born to Raymond and Lillie McIntosh. She met James Ronald Neal, Sr. and they had three children together, Stephanie Neal, Raymon “Monna” Neal, James Ronald Neal, Jr. She married Lucius Charles Peterson November 13, 2011 in Cassopolis, Michigan. He preceded her in death July 23, 2012.  In 2019, Stella (his Booboo) and Franklin Williams became special friends. 

Stella was a faithful woman who was proud to know the Bible back and forth.  She praised her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ until the end.  She was passionate about fishing.  She enjoyed watching her stories and was proud to have earned her GED in Lansing, Michigan.  She cherished visiting Elberton, Georgia to spend time with her family.  She was a mother, grandmother, and blessing to many.   

Stella will be greatly missed by family and friends.  She is survived by daughter, Raymon “Monna” Neal of Vandalia; son, James Ronald Neal, Jr. of Vandalia; five grandchildren, Stellana McBride of Lansing, DeAndre Neal-McIntosh of Vandalia, Timothy Black, Jr. of Dearborn, Tiffany Neal of Lansing, Reneathia Neal of Kalamazoo; seven great grandchildren; many other children and grandchildren; sister, Mattie Lee Hill of Elberton, Georgia , Georgia Yarborough of Vandalia; and a host of nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Lucius Peterson; daughter, Stephanie Neal; grandson, Malik Ballard; sister, Fannie Mae Hall; and the father of her children, James Ronald, Sr.

Family and friends will gather Saturday, January 25, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. until time of service at 12:00 noon in the Church of Cassopolis, 520 Pearl Street, Cassopolis, Michigan 49031.

Ms. Peterson will be laid to rest beside her grandson, Malik Ballard, in Bogue Street Memorial Garden, Vandalia.

The family prefers contributions in memory of Stella be made to BEAT DA ODDS, 16704 15 Mile Road, Fraser, Michigan 48026 or at beatdaodds.org/donate or to the American Cancer Society, Post Office Box 6704, Hagerstown, Maryland 21741.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Wagner Family Funerals Connelly Chapel, Cassopolis. Please share a memory or a message online: wagnercares.com.

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