Minister Willa Peterson

Minister Willa Peterson has been married to Gerald Peterson for 43 years and is the mother of three grown children: Javin, Kenan and Maci, and the grandmother to one adorable granddaughter, Taryn Macia (Baby T.)

In October 2016, Minister Willa and Gerry “retired” to Tampa, Florida after living in their hometown of Oak Park, IL for 38 years. Minister Willa was a member of Living Word Christian Center in Forest Park, IL until relocating to Tampa.

God has blessed Minister Willa to unite with and become a member of Bible-Based Fellowship Church in Tampa, FL where she is very involved with the Salvation Army Ministry. Minister Willa is honored to be a part of this ministry for the many opportunities it affords her, from feeding the residents who are bussed to her church every Sunday morning for nourishment for their bodies and soul, to sharing her messages from the TMC as well as praying about their needs and concerns. 

Minister Willa also serves with the Justice Ministry which seeks fairness and equality for Tampa residents in Hillsborough County.

As a teacher with emphasis in Reading Diagnosis and Remediation, Minister Willa left the profession to raise her children.  She returned many years later and worked as an inclusion teacher for children with special needs and as a librarian.  Minister Willa resigned from the profession after a terminally ill diagnosis of her beloved mother-in-law.  She returned to the teaching profession after the passing of her mother-in-law as a substitute teacher for the Chicago Public Schools System.

Additionally, Minister Willa is a Certified Health Coach and Wellness Educator. She has over 20 years of experience with knowledge of foods that nourish the body at the cellular level, as well as knowledge of the key ingredients to living a healthier, more productive lifestyle.  Minister Willa overcame health challenges by changing her diet and making some day to day changes in her lifestyle and therefore is passionate about her part to end the global health crisis.

Minister Willa is excited about this new chapter of her life in Tampa however, most of all, she is excited about getting to know people in Tampa and sharing the love and knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She loves the Lord and His Word and strives to let that love show in every area of her life.