Lanita Elease Peterson was born December 24, 1952 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania to the late Benny and Geraldine Humphries.

She attended First Street Elementary in Bradenton, Florida and graduated from Manatee High School.  She received her degree from Harrisburg College, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Lanita taught school in Manatee County.  She loved working with kids, that was her greatest passion.  She loved fashions and her eyelashes.  Lanita also loved sewing and making clothers.  Her love for her grandchildren was undeniable, she was expecting a great grandchild, whose name is going to be A'nyal and she was excited about that.

Lanita leaves to cherish her memories and her love, husband, Michael Peterson;  three children: Rhonda Dunwoody (Melvin), Tiffany Chapman, and Gary Chapman (Desiree); grandchildren: Tamera Saunders (Corey), Camarria Saunders, Latoya Brown, Christopher Dunwoody, Ashia Dunwoody, Teaera Dawes, Tiona Dawes, Drayshaun Dawes, Avery Chapman, Zachary Chapman, and Destiny Buie; great grandchildren: Corey Saunders, Jr., Christian Lexis, Khloe Brown, La'Nyia Matthews, and Zoey Guest; sisters: Gerri Humphries, and Nita Brewer; and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.