Mary Anderson

Mary Patricia Anderson passed away peacefully in Piedmont Atlanta Hospital on March 13, 2017 at 10:33 p.m. at the age of 71. She was in the supportive presence of four generations of loving family members at her side. Born on January 29, 1946 to the late Warren Hastings Johnson and Mary Josephine Williams, she was one of 14 children who inherited beauty, strength, perseverance, and a multitude of interesting characteristics from her parents. Warren, Sr. was very talented in the areas of music composition, song writing, and story telling. Mary Josephine was a loving mother, devoted wife, and homemaker. Both of Mary Patricia’s parents were stubborn, strong-willed, and outspoken and, yes, she inherited those beautiful traits as well. No stranger to adversity, Mary grew up in Monaca, Pennsylvania during a time when racism, segregation, and bigotry were prevalent; but, she learned early in life that color, gender, and nationality are to be viewed as signs of God’s creation and not used for mankind’s discrimination. Because of this, she treated all with nothing less than love, compassion, and impartiality. While still learning the ways of young adulthood, Mary began to have children and didn’t stop until she was blessed with six. Toni, Soni, Lori, Tickles, Lovie, and Brad (as she called them) were brought into the world to a loving mother whose life was centered on her children rather than herself. Her warm and loyal heart extended to many others as well. Whether she was caring for a sick parent at home, an aging patient at work, or a stranger that needed assistance anywhere, Mary was unselfish and unwavering in her commitment to help others. Her family has experienced too many losses, as Mary was preceded in death by six sisters: Shirley Walker, Georgiana Kirkland, Connie Jo Johnson, Julia Ann Johnson, Sharon McClain, and Carla Gipson; three brothers: Warren, Jr., Gerald and Michael Johnson; and one grandchild: Brandon Fuller. She is survived by her daughters: Toni (Ron) Fuller, Sonya (Eric) Gibson, Patricia Anderson, Tonya (Bruce) Lynn, Sherry Anderson (Chad) Ellison, Marita Gipson; and sons: David Anderson, Anthony (Alesha) and Carlos (Joetta) Gipson; sisters: Beverly Abbott, Sandra (Clifford) Davis, Terri Johnson; brother: Timothy (Debora) Johnson; and brothers-in-law: Elbert McClain and Anthony Gipson; 24 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren: two best friends: Jacci Walker and Nettie Hill and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and close friends. Mary had a strong belief in Jehovah God and she dedicated her life to do his will in public baptism on May 29, 1994. Thereafter, she spent her life educating herself and others about God’s blessings, standards, and principles. She whole-heartedly embraced the truths of the bible and she especially looked forward to the resurrection of her loved ones who have passed away as they are brought back to a restored earthly paradise. Mary fought a long hard battle with many life-threatening illnesses. However, she never gave up in her devotion to her family or her integrity to her God. She continued to be a full-time pioneer as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses for many years and continued to do God’s will in whatever capacity she could until she took her last breath. She will be greatly missed by all who experienced her love, her smile, her generosity, and her life.

Tributes

Mary Anderson

March 13, 2017