Becki Peterson

Becki Peterson, 83, of Watkinsville, passed away peacefully on August 11, 2026. Born on November 19, 1942, she was the daughter of the late W.N. Phillips and Ruenelle Woods Phillips of Oak Park Georgia.

Becki lit up every room with her big smile and contagious laughter. She had a special spark that she shared throughout her 34 years as a special education teacher. She spent many of those years at Oconee County High School, where she also loved coaching the cheerleading squad.

Her deep passion for plants took root early, inspired by her father’s gardens and flowers in South Georgia. She went on to become an Advanced Master Gardener and cherished time spent tending her yard alongside Ray. Becki always welcomed family, friends, and local gardeners to drop by, insisting they take plants home with them and, as a result, plants from her garden now bloom all across the state of Georgia. She shared that same love for nature through her many years of volunteering at the State Botanical Garden.

As a mother, Becki was deeply caring, thoughtful, funny, and supportive. She always welcomed the kids of the North West Woods neighborhood into her home. She absolutely adored her daughter-in-law. She truly thrived as a grandmother, showering her grandchildren with unconditional love and support. She and Ray always had fun projects ready for their grandkids, making every visit one filled with joy, smiles, and laughter.

Becki is survived by her loving husband of 61 years, Ray Peterson; her son, Chris (Sarah) Peterson; grandchildren, Rebecca and Chip Peterson; and her siblings, Van Phillips, Jodale Fails, Rhonda Lanier, and Nathan Phillips.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, August 16, 2026, at 2:00 PM in the chapel of Lord & Stephens, West, in Watkinsville (1211 Jimmy Daniel Road, Watkinsville, GA 30677). The family will receive friends prior to the service, beginning at 1:00 PM. In honor of Becki’s bright spirit, please feel free to wear colorful attire rather than traditional black.

Lord & Stephens Funeral Home, West, Watkinsville is entrusted with arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com.