Brenda Peterson

Dr. Brenda L. Peterson was revered as a woman of Faith and Wisdom. Whether she was singing, speaking, praying, or teaching, her “Big Voice” rang loud in the earth. 

Dr. Brenda was benevolently escorted to Heaven by Jesus’ chariot of fire on December 31, 2025. Born on Friday, October 1, 1954, in Schlater, Mississippi, Dr. Brenda deeply loved her family. She was the 2nd eldest sister in the “Remarkable 12” Turner tribe. Thus begins her story. Unlike other babies, baby Brenda did not enter the earth crying; she graced it singing. Her gapped smile, laugh, and sense of humor were contagious. 

From birth until eternity, she truly lived up to her name, “Brenda”, which means Strong, Light, and Blade of the Sword.  Wherever she was, you knew she was there. Even when you pretended not to see her, you could not deny her strong presence, escape her sharp, fiery tongue, or dim her bright, holy light. She was direct, authentic, and was quick to tell you, “I Care In Prayer!”

A fire-cracker in the world and an explosive bomb for the Kingdom of God, Dr. Brenda totally surrendered her life to Christ at age 27 on Palm Sunday – April 12, 1981, at Jackson Blvd. Christian Church under Rev. Frank Reid. Assistant Pastor, Rev. Louise Reid, personally discipled her. Shortly thereafter, she accepted and began to actualize her calling from God from Jeremiah 1:4-5. 

Dr. Brenda L. Peterson began her ministry training as a Sunday School Teacher, Evangelist, and Praise-Testimony Leader at Zion Temple under the tutelage of Pastor Earl Smith, Sr. who would often call upon her and say, “Yea Terry, Take us High”. She won many scripture memorization contests in the Midwest Pentecostal District, bringing Zion Temple (smallest church in the district) honor and showing that God can use small congregations from the west side to do big things. Her house was full of youth every Sunday morning eager to follow her to church. She literally brought a church to church every Sunday. 

Ordained as a Prophet by Dr. Apostle John T. Abercrombie, Jr., Prophetess Peterson’s Prophetic gift was awe-inspiring. When she released God’s Word, it manifested. She prophesied that President Barak Obama would become the President of the United States of America (by name) 2 years before his Nomination. She even wrote and recorded the song “We On A Roll” to mark his Presidency. She gave God all the glory.  

Dr. Brenda L. Peterson was inducted as the 1st woman into the Unleashed And Unafraid Hall of Fame in 2018 for consistently exemplifying unwavering faith in adversity and for her significant impact on ministry and society through her 8 Authored books (New Life in Christ, New Life in Christ Foundational Studies, Exposing Deceptive Practices, Be Healed, A Word-Tamed Tongue, Ponytail Prayers, Prayers of Power for Young Adults book and audio book, and Power Training Prayers for Teens), conglomerate of songs and poetry, “What’s On Your Heart” Radio Broadcast, and spiritual and marital teaching, mentoring, and counseling. One of her favorite mentee groups is the “Sons of Iowa” by way of her son Charles aka “My Chuck Chuck.” They greatly honored her, calling her Ma and sparing no expense in welcoming her to spend time praying for them, sharing life lessons, and teaching them about Jesus. 

Dr. Brenda L. Peterson was VERY CREATIVE. She graced many pulpits and stages, singing her original songs. Notable events include Chicago’s Mayoral Annual Women’s event organized by Chicago’s own Denise Ferguson, Bronzeville’s Jazz in the Alley, and the Oak Park Summer Music Festival. She was the saucy female singer with the west side Band, “Fresh”, singing alongside musical geniuses Percy, Snow, and Gino. And, she was the baddest Hair Stylist in the game. 

Dr. Brenda L. Peterson attended and received diplomas and degrees from Oakenwald Elementary, Dunbar High School, Malcolm X & Harold Washington Colleges, Neomedica Inc, and Christian Bible Institute where she received her Honorary Doctorate for her lifetime work and commitment to improving the lives of others. 

Professionally, Dr. Brenda began working at age 12, proudly serving the Chicago community at large as a Tutor; Homeless Outreach Prevention Worker/Driver with the City of Chicago; Housing Counselor with Housing Opportunities for Women; Home Visitor and Mentor with Marillac St. Vincent; Parent Educator & Bus Monitor for Crane High School’s CAAP & Principal Scholars Saturday University Program; and Phlebotomist with Neomedica, Inc.

Dr. Brenda L. Peterson’s life touched all generations. Whether you knew her as Prophetess Peterson, Dr. B., Sue-Sue, Ma, Mother-Prophetess, Teacher, Auntie Brenda, MaMa B., Lynn, Ms. Thurmond, Mrs. Terry, Mrs. Peterson, or Pepper, your life could never be the same after encountering her. Members of the congregations where she attended, sang, or ministered (Jackson Blvd., Zion Temple, Word I Am, New Hope M.B., Evangel Assemblies of God, Shaw Temple, and Zoe Life Ministries International with Pastors Dr. Apostle John T. and Prophetess Rosemary Abercrombie) can attest. Undoubtedly, she is already greatly missed!

Preceding Dr. Brenda L. Peterson in death are her Mother, Legendary Chicago Singer “Sing Granny” Laura Turner, her loving Grandmother Flora Burt, siblings Denise Turner, Linda Turner, Lionell Turner, Sr. and Sheila Turner, BFF Carolyn Diane Leachman-Dangerfield, her husband Charles Sandy Terry, Jr., and her daughter Spring La’Shae. 

Dr. Brenda Lee leaves to cherish two daughters, Sabrena L. Davis (Theo), Salena L. Miller (Walter); one son, Charles Sandy Terry III; Bonus daughter, Alysia Cobbs; 9 grandchildren, BreAunna O’Neal, Tierra Williams, Charles Sandy Terry IV (Lauren), Delany-Rose Ramsey, Jada Pace, Jermiah Miller, Charles “Kyrie” Sandy Terry V, Kierra Thomas (Darrien), and Martinez Stephens (Ashley); 4 great-grandchildren, Isabella O’Neal, I’mani Wiliams, Leo Terry, and Myles Terry; 6 siblings, Laura Turner, Joe Turner, Oscar Thurmond, Diane Thurmond, Flora Turner, and Donnel Turner; 2 God daughters, Jimekka Burt and Annette Green; 2 God sons, Pastor Terrence Willis and Apostle Michael Ballard (Shavon); Spiritual daughters, Chasity, Phoenix, Charlotte, Coretta, and Kina; Confidant, Apostle Jesse Miller; BFF’s and Special Friends, Vanessa, Margo, Mildred, Sharon, Faye, Sue, Porchia, Jeanette, Leama, Banie Denise, Robbie, Dr. Katie Bland, Reggie, Percy, and Alonzo; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

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