WILLIE MAE ANDERSON
God, in His infinite wisdom, called Willie Mae Anderson to her home of eternal rest on Thursday, Oct. 19, 2023, at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston.
She was born on July 16, 1949, the 12th of 12 children born to the late Joseph Sr. and Sallie Lou Abraham Anderson. Willie Mae was educated in the public schools of Lee County and was a 1968 graduate of Mt. Pleasant High School. She later continued her educational studies and attended Central Carolina Technical College. At an early age, her Christian experience began at Mt. Moriah United Methodist Church, where she was a devout member and faithfully served in numerous capacities over her lifelong tenure as a member. She loved singing, praying and making a joyful noise unto the Lord. She was a founding member of the Inspirational Choir. She also was a very active participant in the former United Methodist Women (United Women in Faith), and formerly served as vice president. She was also a member of the usher board. She was deeply grounded in her faith and always sought to put God first and reinforced the Christian values that were instilled in her at an early age by her parents.
Willie Mae worked diligently and untiringly at Tuomey Hospital for more than 28 years, until her retirement in 2013. She exemplified the strongest work ethics and was unwavering in her commitment to providing for her family and making sure that her three children always had what they needed and were equipped with the tools to be successful in life and achieve self-sufficiency.
She was a very kind and loving person, who touched the lives of so many. Her great wisdom and courageousness was immeasurable. To know her was to love her. She was a great inspiration and mentor to her family and friends. She gave a feeling of welcome to all who were fortunate enough to come into her presence and share in the hospitality of her vivacious personality. Her greatest joy and pride were her children and grandchildren, as she poured into them daily, nurturing and teaching them to live by the Golden Rule. She embraced life and the many challenges she endured with unfathomable strength and great courage. She never complained and kept her emotions to herself. She has truly left an indelible impression on all who have had the pleasure of knowing her and will be greatly missed.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by five brothers, Joseph Anderson Jr., George Anderson Sr., Eli Anderson, Wash Anderson and Samuel Anderson; and four sisters, Carrie Anderson, Anna Mae Douglas, Sally Samuels and Ella Mae Anderson.
Willie Mae leaves to cherish and honor her memory: three dedicated and devoted children, Dyron V. Anderson of Columbia, Lorenzo (Pamela) Anderson Sr. of Orangeburg and Carolyn L. Anderson of the home; two supportive sisters, Sarah J. Dean of Sumter and Rena A. Burrell of New York City; five loving grandchildren, Amber K. Anderson of Virginia Beach, Virginia, Courtney Anderson of Washington, D.C., Aliyah N. Anderson of Orangeburg, Lorenzo Anderson Jr. of Columbia and Elisha Johnson of Monroe, North Carolina; two great-grandchildren, Uriyah S. Jetter and Anaya K. Mulligan; a dedicated sister-in-law, Veda N. Anderson of Decatur, Georgia; and a multitude of nieces, nephews, cousins, other sorrowing relatives and friends to continue her legacy.
Visitation and viewing will be held from 1 to 7 p.m. today. Family will receive guests from 4 to 7 p.m. in the John Wesley Williams Sr. Memorial Chapel of Williams Funeral Home Inc., 821 N. Main St., Sumter.
Celebration of life services will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday at Mt. Moriah United Methodist Church, 1379 Swimming Pen Road, Mayesville, with the Rev. Debra Anderson Joe, pastor, and eulogist, the Rev. Franklin Garrett, officiating.
The procession will leave the home at 12:20 p.m.
Burial will follow in the Mt. Moriah United Methodist Church Cemetery.
Services directed by the management and staff of Williams Funeral Home Inc., 821 N. Main St., Sumter.
Online messages may be sent to the family at williamsfuneralhome@sc.rr.com. Visit us on the web at www.WilliamsFuneralHomeInc.com.