
Rebecca Christine Peterson
July 23, 1972 – Sept. 1, 2021
Rebecca Christine Peterson (Matthews) of Richmond, Virginia transitioned from this earthly realm on Wednesday, September 1, 2021. Christy, as she was affectionately known, was born on July 23, 1972, in Charleston, West Virginia to her loving mother Rebecca Matthews Moody. Spending the majority of her childhood between Charlton Heights and Montgomery, Christy enjoyed moments outdoors at the many lakes West Virginia had to offer with her brother, Shawn Matthews, and her numerous cousins and close childhood friends.
Christy graduated from Goochland High School in Virginia, where she had no problem making friends among her classmates. Outside of school, she excelled at swimming and track, took dance lessons, briefly joined the cheerleading team, and played flute in her school’s band. Christy developed a strong bond with her late grandparents, Aileen and Dayton “Mattie” Matthews and Edith and Lowell Fox, who she saw nearly every day as a child. She often spoke of fond memories spent vacationing, camping, and boating with her grandparents, some of which later turned into memories that she replicated with her own four children.
While working at Signet Bank, Christy met her former husband of 19 years, Ken Peterson. Ken was drawn to Christy’s free spirit and outgoing personality, often seeing her traverse the hallways barefoot with a big smile and innocent eyes. They later wed on September 4, 1999, and together welcomed their children, Taylor, Morgan, Lin, and Lainey, into this world. Her kids were her pride and joy, and she consistently showered them with love and affection. Christy shared countless cherished memories with her kids, planning larger-than-life birthday parties, taking vacations to Myrtle Beach, and walking the trails at Dorey and Osborne Park. Her family lovingly joked that if there was anything her kids wanted, she made sure they had an overabundance of it.
Her passion and dedication to her kids’ success were boundless. Whether it was enrolling them in dance, music, and art lessons, cheering them on in sports, forging several A+ projects in their stead, or just offering comforting advice, Christy’s top priority was making sure her kids were happy and healthy. Christy’s adventurous nature led her children to playfully call her “the cool mom”. It wasn’t unusual for her kids to rely on her to approve going to concerts, accompany them to their first piercings and tattoos, or sneak off for secret out-of-school lunches. Her kids always appreciated their mom’s ability to accept them for who they were and encourage them to be their best.
Christy was thrilled to welcome her two grandchildren into the world, Vanya and Amirah, who she absolutely adored. She eagerly supported her daughter, Morgan, in the delivery room for her eldest granddaughter, Vanya, and was very proud to be present for many “firsts” in her grandchildren’s lives. Together, they cherished time spent watching their favorite TV shows and playing in the park. Outside of her role as a devoted mother, Christy enjoyed hobbies such as running and cooking. She trained and competed in several different long-distance races, even while pregnant with Lin and Lainey. Christy also had a knack for perfectly recreating her family’s favorite restaurant meals, and had several signature dishes that were relished over the years.
Christy had a vibrant energy that allowed people to gravitate to her easily. Her sharp wit, thoughtfulness, generosity, strength, and sweet nature will be missed by the people who came to know her. Christy has passed her legacy on to her four children, Taylor, Morgan, Lin, and Lainey Peterson. She leaves treasured memories to her grandchildren, Vanya and Amirah; her mother, Rebecca Matthews Moody (Jamie); her brother Shawn Matthews; and a large circle of extended family and friends who all loved her deeply.
A service will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, September 10, 2021, at Affinity Funeral Service, 2720 Enterprise Pkwy, Richmond, VA 23294. Click here to view the live-streamed Memorial Service for Rebecca Christine Peterson.
Christy’s family would like to honor her dedication to her children’s educational and professional success through the “Christy Peterson Legacy Fund.” Christy had a lot of hopes and dreams for her children’s future, and we want to make sure that those goals can still be achieved.
We have a few options for those wishing to support Christy’s legacy:
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GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/425539ec
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Walk into any Navy Federal or BB&T Bank and ask to donate to the “Christy Peterson Legacy Fund.”
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Write a check addressed to Taylor Peterson with “Christy Peterson Legacy Fund” in the memo. Please email Taylor at [email protected] for the address. Taylor will deposit these checks into the aforementioned memorial funds.
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Venmo Taylor (@taypeterson1) with “Christy Peterson Legacy Fund” as the subject. Once again, Taylor can transfer any donations into the aforementioned memorial funds.
Christy was a wonderful person she really touched my heart when she messaged me saying that she loved me and that I would always be apart of her family I loved her too and I told her just that and she will be truly missed my me my sincere condolences to the family
I grew up with Christine in Charlton Heights,WV. We went to school together, played after school with one another and were extremely close. She was such a beautiful soul inside and out. Praying that God gives the family comfort during this time. Christine will be missed by all.
I attended elementary school with Christy, she was a beautiful soul. She was blessed with a fabulous sense of humor and I always enjoyed hanging out with her. I loved hearing from her on Facebook, we oftentimes talked about our kids. She loved her children and grandchildren unconditionally. I am sure that Christy will be watching over them always and I’m hoping she will also keep an eye out for me and mine. Lots of love to Christy’s family and friends.
Such a beauty inside and out. She will be missed by all. My condolences to friends and family.
Although I never had the opportunity to meet Christy, I had the pleasure of meeting her mom, Becky. We had both just relocated to St. James Plantation in Southport, NC. Becky joined our Bunco group as a substitute and we hit it off right at our first meeting. Becky always lovingly talked about her daughter (and son) and her grandchildren. She especially loved when they came to visit and loved exploring the area with them, shopping with them and cooking for them. Please know that Becky, Jamie and Christy’s entire family are in my thoughts and prayers. May Christie Rest In Peace.
May she Rest In Peace.
Even though I never was around her much myself, she gave life to an amazing young woman who happens to be one of my childhood best friends/sister, Morgan ❤️.. praying for the family.
I love my cousin Christy. I spent my summers at Granny and Papa Matthews house. We would go swimming and shopping. She would go camping with us at Middle Fork WV with my sister Tracy. Christy was a great Mom Grandmother Sister Daughter and cousin. We all loved her so much. I know she will be watching over us and will visit each of us in her own time. We will miss you so much and we love you.
Love Cousin
Jody
She was a very nice lady. She brought the mom of the shop feeling while she was here with us. She always had a nice smile and we had many laughs while we was at work. My deepest condolences to the family and she always spoke so highly of her kids and grand kids. She will be missed by many.
When I met her – I loved her. Instantly I felt a connection. She will be forever amazing in my eyes. I will truly miss her. Her light still shines. Beautiful on the outside as she was inside- she told it like it was – and always smiled – strong woman – the love she had for her daughters and grand daughters will never be denied – I send my deepest condolences and love to the family – Christine – we love u
No words can express how you all must be feeling. Heartfelt sympathies are extended to each of you.
Although I never met her in person, I knew Christy through facebook. She was so witty and lightened up the day.
My deepest sympathy to Christine’s beautiful daughters & the entire family. She so obviously loved with all her heart.
Rest in Peace Dear Christy?