Deborah Kay Peters Little, age 58, of Hoover, went to be with our Lord Jesus Christ on Wednesday, May 19, 2010. Mrs. Little is survived by her husband of nearly 35 years, Thomas Michael Little; daughters, Scarlet Thompson (John) of Chelsea, Autumn Little of Montevallo and Anna Little of Hoover; grandchildren, Cade Thompson, Keeley Thompson and Kaela Thompson. She is also survived by her mother, Betty Harper Peters of Montevallo; brother, Wayne Peters (Judy) of Albertville and sister, Teresa Peters Vest (Floyd) of Auburn.
Deborah was preceded in death by her father, Grover Cleveland Peters Jr.
Deborah was born in Bessemer. As a child she attended Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church in Hueytown, where she gave her life to the Lord. Following a family move to Montevallo, Deborah graduated from Thompson High School in Alabaster. She would eventually earn a master’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of Montevallo and another master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from UAB.
Deborah taught school for close to thirty years. At the time of her passing, she was employed as a second grade teacher at Vestavia Hills Cahaba Heights Elementary School. Deborah also taught at the former Zimmerman Elementary in Hueytown, Happy Days Kindergarten in Hueytown and Lee Scott Academy in Auburn. It’s estimated over her teaching career she closely impacted the lives of at least 600 children.
Deborah was recognized by the Alabama State Legislature in 1997 for Distinguished Service in the Field of Education. Her unique teaching methods were featured on several local television stations.
Deborah was a member of Hunter Street Baptist Church. She previously taught Mission Friends and Vacation Bible School and helped her father in the organization of the current Southside Baptist Church, originally named Monte-Sil Baptist, in Alabaster decades ago.
Deborah had an intense love for her Lord, her family, her friends and her students. She will be remembered for her humor, determination and fighting spirit. She exemplifies the Bible verse from Proverbs 31:
“Strength and honor are her clothing. She shall rejoice in time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness. She watches over the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed, her husband also, and he praises her. Many daughters have done well, but you excel them all.”
Visitation for Deborah was held at Southern Heritage Funeral Home in Pelham Saturday, May 22, 2010, from 2-4 p.m. at the funeral home. A private graveside service was held the next day.