Mary Lee Peterson, 67, of Lexington, died Wednesday, December 25, 2019, surrounded by her loving family at her home.

Mary was born on April 7, 1952, in Odessa, the daughter of Charles F. and Ruby Joyce (Murray) Brown.  She was united in marriage to James Lee Peterson of Lexington on October 31, 1975; he survives of the home.

Additional survivors include: three sons: James F. (Jackie) Peterson of Excelsior Springs, Kenneth (Lisa) Peterson of New Boston, and Daniel F. (Sheryl) Peterson of Concordia; two brothers, Charles Ray Brown of Wellington and Larry Dean (Claudia) Brown of Bates City; and eight grandchildren: James F. (Kristi) Peterson, A.J. (Jessica) Peterson, Darryl Ray Peterson, Ryan Peterson, Dakota Peterson, Cheyenne Peterson, David Lee Peterson, and Austin Peterson.

She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, David Eugene Brown.

Mary was reared and educated in the area of her birth and grew up on a farm south of Odessa.  She worked in the home healthcare field, was plant manager for Wrap-It Bandages in Lexington, and Secretary Card Assembler for Carrollton Specialties in Lexington.  Mary also helped her husband in his business, Peterson Wrecking and Used Lumber.  She also worked in the Lexington School District as a cook and worked at most of the restaurants in Lexington; Mary was a great cook.  She enjoyed square dancing with her husband, crocheting, reading, and loved her grandkids.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the American Cancer Society.  They can be left at or mailed to Thurman Funeral Home, 507 East Main Street-P.O. Box 190, Richmond, MO 64085.

Visitation with funeral services will be held on Monday, December 30, 2019, at Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond, with visitation beginning at 1:00 P.M., with services to follow at 2:00 P.M.  Burial will follow services in Memorial Park Cemetery, Lexington.  Please remember to share your memories of Mary with the family by visiting www.thurmanfuneralhome.com .