Elma Georgiabell Peterson, 75, of San Diego, California, passed away peacefully on August 28, 2025. She was born on May 8, 1950, in San Diego to Vivian Smith and Henry Warren. Elma grew up in San Diego, where she attended Memorial Junior High and later graduated from San Diego High School with the Class of 1970.
In her journey through life, Elma was blessed with family and love. She was married to Lee Peterson, and together they built a life filled with devotion and joy. She was the proud mother of three children and carried her role as a mother with grace and strength.
Elma worked faithfully as a Certified Nursing Assistant, pouring her heart into caring for others. Her compassion, patience, and kindness touched the lives of so many, and she remained committed to helping those in need until her retirement. Beyond her work, Elma was a woman who embraced life. She loved to dance, to cook, and to enjoy a good meal. She cherished her church family and was a devoted member of 38th Street Church of Christ, where her faith remained a guiding light throughout her life.
Family was everything to Elma. She leaves behind her daughters; Delonna George and Annie George-Carpenter, both of San Diego, California. Her love and legacy live on through her grandchildren; Henry Shoate, Dejuan Shoate, Andie Shoate, Aliesha Newsome, Kelmisha Gonzales, Craig Nash, and Micheal Jones, as well as her great-grandchildren, five from Delonna’s family and nine from Annie’s. She also leaves behind her sisters and brothers; Ida Wright, Edith Jackson, Gracie Smith, Vernon Warren, Waltie Jackson, and Harold Mixon.
Elma is now reunited in eternal rest with her mother and father; Vivian Smith and Henry Warren, her stepfather Eddie Leon Smith, her daughter Monique Peterson, her sisters; Francis Price and Gloria Rollin, and her brothers; Melvin Warren and Jimmy Shields.
Elma’s life will be celebrated on Monday, September 22, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at 38th Street Church of Christ in San Diego, with interment to follow at Mount Hope Cemetery.
Though she will be deeply missed, her memory, her laughter, and her unwavering love will live on forever in the hearts of those she touched.
