Becky Peterson Chambers

Becky Peterson Chambers of Jacksonville, FL, was born on November 23, 1950, in Waterloo, IA and departed this earth unexpectedly on June 6, 2025.

She was predeceased by her parents, Russell Harold Peterson and Amy (Saucer) Peterson and two sisters, Connie and Patty.

She is survived by her husband Michael (aka her “Boyfriend”), daughter Laura Atkins (Billy), grandchildren (Cassie, Quin, Aubrey, and Kate), siblings (Ray, Steve, Rich, Carmel, Annette, David, Kim, and Dennis), and Uncle Donnie.

Becky’s motto was “we are placed on this earth to help others.” She lived by it through sending cards of caring, meals, gifts, and flowers to anyone needing encouragement, consolation, or support.

While attending high school, Becky worked in the kitchen of a nursing home where she met and took a fancy to Michael, the janitor. After graduating college, she made him the happiest man in the world by accepting his proposal of marriage. For 51 years, their love for each other was unconditional. Together, they had a daughter Laura who added to the joy of their lives.

Becky earned a degree in education from Central Christian College in McPherson, KS and Greenville University in Greenville, IL. For over 20 years, Becky taught students at low-income serving schools in Joliet, IL. She loved those children as if they were her own. She poured her heart into teaching focused on both caring and fun. Becky started a meal program for her students who often arrived at school hungry, but she was threatened with dismissal by the school’s administrators because feeding hungry children was “not time on task.” Becky got around that by having the kids eat cereal at their desks while doing their morning lessons.

Becky was a member of Christ United Methodist Church of Neptune Beach, FL where she enjoyed activities such as their annual pumpkin patch and women’s circles. She was also a founding member of the unofficial friend group CCL (Crazy Church Ladies). The CCL laughed and cried together in support of one another.

Becky’s favorite thing was spending time with her grandchildren. Known to them as “Nanny,” she cheered them on, mended their clothes, baked them treats, and always said yes to planting more crops in the garden.

She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her, but her legacy of kindness and caring lives on with those whose lives she touched in myriad positive ways. Becky is no longer suffering with pain and is at peace with her creator.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Caring Cabinet Donations where Joliet Central High School students can get school supplies, healthy snacks, personal care, and hygiene items for free. Use this link to donate:

 https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/7K2CBL2AV4GA?ref_=wl_share.