Ife Peterson

Ife Mila Peterson was born on September 4, 1977, to the late Olga Smith and Melvin “Skip” Peterson in Milwaukee, WI.  She was a loving daughter, wife, mother, sister, cousin, aunt, and friend. She left this earthly life and transitioned to her heavenly home on October 2, 2021.

The name Ife derives from African descent and it means, "love".  At the age of 10, Ife’s mother moved them to Kansas City, MO where she attended Ruskin High School and played tennis. After losing her mother at the age of 15, her cousin Lisa cared for Ife as her own daughter. Over the next few years, regardless of the circumstances and sadness Ife faced, she was determined and worked hard at ensuring her success.  Ife worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant and Caregiver for over 20 years.  Her husband Carl revisits a memory of how their lives changed the day they met outside of a neighborhood Blockbuster video.  His friend coached him into introducing himself to Ife after Carl told him that Ife was “the most beautiful girl he’s ever seen.” Over 25 years and 3 beautiful children later Ife is survived by her first love, Carl Gregg, her son, Caleif, her youngest daughter, Madyson, and her oldest daughter, Taylor.

Family and love had a special place in Ife’s heart.  Ife loved to read and study the Bible. She was a strong, loyal, and faithful woman to her family and friends. As natural as her beauty was on the outside Ife was a natural beauty on the inside. She had a love for learning, journaling, and researching history, and historical methodologies. There is not an orchid in the world that Ife would pass by and not find beautiful.  She did everything in love.

Surviving to cherish her memories and continue the legacy of Ife are her husband, Carl; her children, Taylor, Caleif, and Madyson; her sisters, Maya, and Evette; her in-laws, Mr. and Mrs. Waul; her sisters-in-law, Stacy, Tamar, and Tonja; a brother-in-law, Dale; and so much more family including nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends.  We will miss her every single day. We trust that she is without pain and full of joy as she is in the presence of God.