Longtime Escambia 4-H Supporter, State Hall Of Fame Member Anne Peterson Passes Away

January 5, 2024

Anna Bell Peterson of Century, a longtime supporter of 4-H in Escambia County and state hall of fame member, passed away January 2 at the age of 83.

For over 40 years, Anne Peterson served as a volunteer for Escambia County 4-H. Anne began at an early age taking riding lessons in a barn led by a local 4-H horse club leader. That barn was where she began to adopt the knowledge and culture she would strive to emulate for the remainder of her 4-H volunteer career. Anne’s early years largely impacted her path in life, and ultimately led her to volunteer with 4-H.

Anne began volunteering with a club as a young adult, and from there pursued every opportunity to continue her service. From volunteering at county events to volunteering at sleep over camps like Camp Timpoochee during the summer, she took the opportunities she believed in most and supported them whole-heartedly. Anne served on multiple committees and boards at the local, district, and state levels with the goal of sharing her experiences and looking for ways to make the 4-H program stronger and better. From the horse program to the legislative program, Anne participated in the planning and execution of county, district and statewide events. Anne even volunteered on the Area North 4-H Horse Show Committee and State 4-H Horse Advisory Committees, even though she did not have any youth who compete in the events.

Anne invested years of volunteer service in 4-H, but she also shared with others her dedication and passion for 4-H and youth development, which continued to inspire the youth and families she worked with. Anne’s impact was felt in the projects she took on, but her ever-steady impact on the individuals she encountered, reached far beyond what is immediately observable. Anne never strayed far from her passion that was sparked in that barn, and as she continued to serve others, leaving her fingerprints on their lives as well as the 4-H program. Anne received multiple awards for her service over the years, some of which include the 2019 Florida 4-H Horse Program Elaine Keir Memorial Outstanding Volunteer Award, and an induction into the Florida 4-H Hall of Fame.

Anne demonstrated an astounding longevity in her volunteer career.

A visitation for Anne Peterson will be held Monday, January 8, 2024, from 3- 4 p.m. at Bayview Fisher-Pou Chapel, 3351 Scenic Highway, Pensacola, Florida, followed by a memorial service at 4 p.m.

Information courtesy UF/IFAS Extension.

Comments

5 Responses to “Longtime Escambia 4-H Supporter, State Hall Of Fame Member Anne Peterson Passes Away”

  1. Les Lassiter on January 9th, 2024 6:58 pm

    Anne was greatly loved by all who knew her. She was very active & involved in our community in many ways. She was the county clerk for our voting precinct & got my wife involved, along with her, in manning our voting precinct, for every election. My wife, granddaughter & I went to her service.It was so many friends, neighbors & family that attended, that many people had to park in the cemetery, & walk to the Chapel in the rain. We live directly behind her & have adjoining pastures. We were close, & will certainly miss her.

  2. Christine Rodgers on January 8th, 2024 8:58 pm

    I was sad to hear of Anne’s passing. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her. She was a joy and a delight to work with, of which I had the privilege for 10 years while I served as a club leader. I can’t say I ever saw her without a smile on her face. Heaven is richer and we are poorer with her passing. Praying for her family.

  3. Stacey Ellison on January 7th, 2024 9:57 pm

    An incredibly wonderful person. I am better off having known her. May her legacy live on through all the lives she touched. What a wonderful life she lived!

  4. Cathy Vanderpol on January 6th, 2024 11:50 am

    A true “Hero for Youth”. She will be missed.

  5. Angela Tinker on January 5th, 2024 10:20 am

    It’s hard to imagine Escambia 4-H without Ms.Anne! She passionately loved Jesus, her family, her church, 4-H youth, and horses. She was full tilt and vivacious in everything she did. I am privileged to have known her. She will be hugely missed in this life. Praying for her children and their families.