Ms. Katie Peten

Obituary For Ms. Katie Peten

In profound sorrow we announce the passing of Mrs. Katie Peten. Celebration of Life will be Saturday, April 9, 2022 1:00pm at Grissom-Clark Eastlake Chapel. 404-373-3191 The service will be live streamed on www.grissom-clarkfh.com under Live Video.

KATIE J. PETEN, 74 died after a courageous battle of Glioblastoma February 27th, 2022, Snellville Georgia. She was born May 15, 1947, in Newark New Jersey, the eldest daughter of George Thomas Jr and Bessie (Ryans) Thomas (both deceased).

Katie graduated from West Side High School, Newark NJ, Class of 1965. Following graduation, she attended Montclair State College to pursue a Bachelors of Arts in Education. Making her the first member of her family to graduate from college in 1969. Later she also earned a Masters of Arts in Human Services and Guidance Counseling in 1997. She then went on to work in education for nearly 30 years for the East Orange School District. Teaching, guiding, and counseling over 3,000 kids during her tenure.

Katie married Charles E. Peten Oct 1970 (divorced) and together they built their family home together from the ground up and raised two daughters; Tanisha Peten and Anitra (Peten) Walker in Morris Plains, New Jersey for over 20 years. When Anitra was pregnant with her first child, Katie immediately moved to Georgia to help to take care of her first grandson, Aiden. Where she would reside until her death.

Katie enjoyed traveling, cooking, and was a voracious reader. She traveled to over 15 countries. It always brought her joy to experience and see the things she only read about as a child. Her most favorite trips were with her grandkids in tow. One of the family's most memorable vacations was when she took the entire family on an all-expenses paid trip on a Disney Cruise.

Katie being the eldest sibling in her family, always set the example for her family to follow. In her own quiet but determined manner demonstrated that we could continue to move upward and pursue a better existence with each passing day. Never hesitating to help those in need, volunteering, sharing a recipe, lending an ear, or just making you laugh. Her physical absence will be missed – but her legacy and love will always be ever present in each of our lives.

Survived by Tanisha Peten and her partner Ellis Peters of South Orange, NJ. Anitra (Peten) Walker and her husband Scott Walker of Lilburn, GA. Grandchildren, Nasir Walker, Aiden Walker, Avery Walker, and Elise Peters. Sister, Valarie Gachette of Charlotte, North Carolina and Brother, George Thomas, III of Irvington, New Jersey. As well as countless cousins, nieces, nephews, and life-long friends.

A memorial service will be held at 1pm, Saturday April 9th at Grissom – Clark Funeral Home, 227 E. Lake Drive SE, Atlanta Georgia. Those who wish to remember Katie in a special way can make gifts in her memory to Piedmont Atlanta Hospital’s Orr Brain Tumor Fund.

In lieu of flowers for Katie Peten please give to the Orr Brain Tumor Center fund . It supports patient assistance priorities, brain tumor center facilities, community outreach, research and screening and prevention programs. They also strive to improve the patient experience through generous philanthropic donations.

To make a gift online, please go to give.piedmont.org and select the fund 'I would like to give to' from the drop down menu; select Piedmont Atlanta Hospital and select Orr Brain Tumor Fund. Lastly, select Yes, this is in honor, memory or appreciation of someone. Also, feel free to mail your donations to:

Kelly B. Loftin

Piedmont Healthcare Foundation

2001 Peachtree Road NE Suite 400

Atlanta, GA 30309