Nola Sebastian Peters

Nola Sebastian Peters, a treasured member of the Greensburg community and the Sandcreek Baptist Church, passed away October 19, 2024 surrounded by her loving family. Born on December 3, 1930, in Breathitt County, KY, to Shelby and Mima (May) Sebastian, Nola was a beacon of strength and kindness, the sixth child and second daughter, in a bustling family of fourteen. Named after the dedicated nurse Nola Pease VanderMeer, who braved Kentucky's rugged terrains to deliver her, Nola's life was a testament to resilience and grace.
Nola's early years were marked by numerous moves, eventually leading her family to settle in Clarksburg, IN during her 7th grade year. A graduate of Clarksburg High School in 1948, she carried with her the spirit of adventure and the deep bonds of family, often recounting tales of her family's travels in a mule-drawn wagon that painted a vivid picture of her childhood.
Love blossomed for Nola at Kresge’s Five and Dime in Hamilton, Ohio, where she met her future husband, John Peters, thanks to an introduction by her brother Dan, who had become friends with John during their service in Korea. Their marriage on November 2, 1952, at the Sandcreek Baptist Church in Greensburg was a celebration of their lifelong commitment to each other, a union that lasted nearly 70 years until John's passing just days before their anniversary in 2022.
A passionate gardener, Nola's love for the earth was evident in her abundant vegetable and fruit gardens. She found joy in the simplicity of nurturing life from the ground up, embracing the entire process from tilling to harvesting. Her dedication to preserving her garden's bounty through canning and freezing spoke volumes of her commitment to living a life grounded in the values of hard work and self-sufficiency.
Nola's love for the outdoors extended to her enjoyment of Florida's sunny beaches during the winter months. She was a devoted mother, choosing to stay at home to raise her children and care for her youngest siblings after the tragic loss of their mother in 1960. Later, Nola and John ventured into entrepreneurship, owning and operating the Merle Norman Cosmetic Store in Greensburg, further embedding themselves in the fabric of the community.
Residing in Greensburg, 4 miles East on Highway 46, Nola and John's home was a hub of love, laughter, and countless memories. Nola is survived by her four children, Danny (Bonnie), Duane, Deb (Tom Lawson), and Jan (Don Ziegenfus), along with her adored grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchild, who affectionately called her “Mamaw.” Her legacy also lives on through her surviving siblings and a large extended family who will forever cherish her memory.
Nola's life, filled with love, faith, and unwavering dedication to her family, leaves a lasting imprint on the Greensburg community. She will be remembered for her kindness, her resilience, and the love she so freely gave to all who were blessed to know her.
Love always outlives death.
Visitation will be held Thursday, October 24, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Porter-Oliger-Pearson Funeral Home in Greensburg.  A funeral service will be held at 1:00 PM following the visitation with Rev. Brad Douglas officiating. Burial will follow at the South Park Cemetery in Greensburg.
Please consider in lieu of flowers donating to Sandcreek Baptist Church or Our Hospice of South Central Indiana.