Carolyn Elizabeth Peters

Carolyn Elizabeth Peters, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 10, 2026, on her 77th birthday, surrounded by her children. 

She was born Carolyn Elizabeth Stricker on July 10, 1949, at St. Mary's Hospital in Cairo, IL, to the late Lawrence S. and Maude Ellen (Williams) Stricker. She was the youngest of their three children and their only daughter. Carolyn grew up on North Ninth Street in Charleston, MO, next door to her life-long best friend, Donna (Criss) Brandt. She graduated from St. Henry’s Catholic High School in 1967 and was a lifelong member of St. Henry’s Parish.  She then attended Southeast MO State University, earning a degree in Elementary Education in 1971. That same year she began her teaching career, accepting a 2nd Grade position with East Prairie R-2 Schools.  For 38 years never left teaching 2nd Grade at Doyle Elementary.

During her teaching career, Carolyn mentored countless student teachers. She served as a member and president of the CTA, Professional Development Chairperson, and was also a member and past president of the Delta Kappa Gamma Education Society. She was proud that she taught multiple generations in families, and she was a fierce advocate for students and educators. Carolyn retired in 2009 but continued to serve by substitute teaching at St. Henry’s School in Charleston. She served on their school board, including acting as president of the board until she retired in 2022. She took joy in decorating their main hall bulletin board throughout the school year for many years.

On July 3, 1971, Carolyn married the love of her life, James David Peters, who preceded her to Heaven in 2019. In 1973, she and David built and moved into their house just outside Bertrand, MO, where they both resided the rest of their lives. There they raised three children, which survive them: Leslie, and husband, Jamie Johnson of East Prairie, MO; Brent, and wife Tracy Peters of Benton, MO; and Blaire, and husband Ian Penrod of East Prairie, MO. Carolyn was most proud of her eight grandchildren, who also survive: Seth Peters of St. Louis, MO; Ross and Tessa Peters, and Carly Roth of Benton, MO; Annalyn Johnson and Teddy, Ellie, and Auggie Penrod of East Prairie, MO. Carolyn is also survived by her two older brothers: Bill, and wife Fran Stricker of Sacramento, CA; and Bobby, and wife Judy Stricker of Cape Girardeau, MO. In addition, she is survived by a host of in-laws, nieces, nephews and cousins that she loved dearly.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at McMikle Funeral Home in Charleston from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.  A Catholic funeral service will be conducted Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at the St. Henry Catholic Church in Charleston, MO, with Father David Dohogne, pastor, officiating. 

Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery near Charleston.

 The pallbearers will be Jamie Johnson, Ian Penrod, Seth Peters, Ryan Rolwing, Finley Hequembourg, Josh Peters, and Robert Earl Criss. 

The Honorary Pallbearer is Larry Miller.

In lieu of flowers, plants and gift items, memorial contributions may be made to St. Henry’s Catholic School, 306 Court St., Charleston, MO 63834 or the Visiting Nurse Association, 1124 Independence Ave., Kennett, MO 63857.

Online condolences may be shared at www.mcmiklefuneralhome.com.