Obituary

On April 3, 2020, Mary Elizabeth Anderson transitioned to her heavenly home.  She was born February 11, 1921 to Rev. Tom Thomas and Willie McDowell in Ozark, Alabama where she remained a lifelong resident.  She was married to James Ernest Anderson for over 61 years prior to his death, and they were devoted parents to seven children.

Mrs. Anderson accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at a very young age.

She was educated in the Ozark City school system.  She was a dedicated member of Greater Sardis Missionary Baptist Church for over 80 years where she served in the following positions:  Sunday school teacher for over 45 years; for many years as chairperson/treasurer of the Benevolent Committee, secretary of the Missionary Society, and secretary for Vacation Bible School.  She also served in several other capacities throughout the years.

Her career started as a domestic worker, then she worked at Carroll High School as a cafeteria worker where all the kids and adults loved her fried chicken.  She ended her career working as a Foster Grandparent at Vivian B. Adams School and retired from there at the age of 86.

She lived her life in accordance with the word of God being a faithful servant.  She spent most of her life caring for others and sacrificed much.  She was a loving, kind, faithful, godly woman; full of wisdom, humble, and gracious.  She took pride in her appearance, was a good listener, counselor, a great friend, excellent cook and homemaker.  Many were attracted to her because of her sweet humble spirit, quiet demeanor, wisdom and selfless love.  She lived a long life pleasing to God.

She was preceded in death by her husband, James Ernest Anderson, and a daughter, Anna Ruth Rhodes-Vivour.  She leaves to cherish her memory six children, Elizabeth J. Herring, Earnestine Flowers, Martha Duncan, Kenneth J. (Deborah) Anderson, Keith J. (Maxine) Anderson, Lee Ann (Clifton) Brumfield.  Fifteen grandchildren:  Aaron (Lezlye) Ajani, Curtis (Maja) Duncan, Dominic J. Herring, Temilade Rhodes-Vivour, Charmaine (Ashley) Flowers-Chavis, Olufemi (Sarita) Rhodes-Vivour, Canden Duncan, Jerramie Duncan, Keith Jerold Anderson, II, James Ivander Anderson, Ralph (Ashley) Anderson, Mary (Krystal) Duncan-Smith, Kenneth J. Anderson, II, and Austin J. Anderson.  Eighteen great-grandchildren (Alishia, Tianna, Niko, La'Mya, Kristen, Ronnell, Amariana, Alasia, Jerod, Ariana, Curtis, Ja'Zieze, Aaliyah, Mauri, Kholie, Jada, Ari, and Amina), and one great-great grandchild (Romeo).  One brother-in-law – John (Joan) Anderson, one sister-in-law – Helen Anderson Gibson, a special grand-nephew – Jerry (KeKe) Jermaine Thomas, and a host of nieces and nephews.

The family requests potted plants in lieu of having a tree planted in Mrs. Anderson's honor, thank you.