Bryan James Peterson Jr.

Elizabethtown

Bryan James Peterson Jr. 26, passed away Saturday, September 7, 2024 at Cape Fear Valley Bladen Hospital.

Bryan, lovingly known as Little Bryan and Bry Bry, was born on March 1, 1998 in Bridgeton, NJ to Laura Horton and Bryan James Peterson Sr. He would go on to be raised by his Foster Parents, his Aunt Linda Whilden and Uncle John Whilden of Delmont, NJ. Bryan graduated from Millville Senior High in 2017 and later that same year, earned his welding certification from Cumberland County VOTECH in Vineland, NJ. Most recently Bryan had been working for Variety Seafood in Elizabethtown, NC. 

In honoring the wishes of Bryan's loved ones, he was cremated. A portion of his remains has been left in North Carolina with his children and fiancée. The other portion of Bryan's remains will be buried at a later date with his father & brother in New Jersey.

From the young age of two, Bryan attended services at Delmont United Methodist Church in NJ, where he was baptized and remained a member for 14 years. Bryan loved fishing and brushing up his welding skills in his spare time. 

Bryan met and fell in love with Dianna Peters, who he eventually followed to North Carolina to start a life together along with his children, Kodie and Mia. He was an extremely proud father when it came to his children. Bryan also loved his family back in New Jersey very much. He contacted his Foster Mom Linda and Grandmother Brenda at least once a week to check in on everyone and see how things were going. 

Bryan is preceded in death by his Biological Father: Bryan James Peterson Sr.; Foster Father/ Uncle: John E. Whilden; Infant Brother: Dylan Peterson; Grandmother: Roberta Horton; Great Grandmother: Grace (Garrison) Whilden; and Uncle: Edmund "Robbie" Corson.

Those left to cherish the memory of Bryan include: Foster Mother/Aunt: Linda Whilden of Delmont, NJ; Biological Mother: Laura Horton of Millville, NJ; Son: Kodie Peterson of Elizabethtown, NC; Daughter: Mia Peterson of Elizabethtown, NC; Fiancée: Dianna Peters of Elizabethtown, NC; Grandmother: Branda Land of Delmont, NJ; Brothers: Jeremy Horton & Abdul Iqbal of Millville, NJ; Grandpop: Richard Peterson Sr. of Delmont, NJ; Foster Grandparents: Betty & Ronald Peters of Delmont, NJ; Foster Sister: Linda Whilden & Fiance Ronald Peters and their children (Emily & RJ Peters, like siblings to Bryan) of Port Norris, NJ; as well as a host of many aunts, uncles, cousins, and extended family who will miss him dearly. 

Professional services entrusted to Hope Valley Hawkins Funeral Service & Cremation of Clinton.

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