MARY ATHELEEN ANDERSON
April 2, 1930-May 26, 2008
For several years, Mary, a good and faithful servant, fought a courageous battle with cancer and is now in the loving hands of her Lord.
Mary epitomized joy, love, kindness and total selflessness. She was a blessing to all who knew her.
Surrounded by her family, Mary passed away May 26, 2008, in Belton, Mo.
She was born April 2, 1930, in Wayne County, N.C., to Floyd Daniel Williams and Daisy Mae Williamson.
Mary began her career in 1970 as president of the Lutheran Mission Association Auxiliary. There she discovered a pet project in the form of a fund called "Old Folks Home" fund. Mary proceeded to spend days, months and years at any task to increase the fund. After years of rummage sales, card parties, luncheons, bake sales and quilting projects, the dream of a Lutheran Home for the Elderly became a reality. In 1978, Beautiful Savior Lutheran Home was dedicated and the first 60-bed facility opened.
Since an administrator who was trustworthy, sympathetic to all and dedicated to caring for our senior citizens in a Christian, clean atmosphere could not be found, Mary agreed to take courses to qualify for the position and accepted the responsibility. Mary's considerable talents and efforts led to the creation of a nursing home that was truly "family" to its residents.
Mary was very active in trade organizations dedicated to promoting long-term care and the needs of the elderly. She was awarded Administrator of the Year in 1993. She was a recognized and honored leader in the business community. Mary retired in April 2000 as administrator and her daughter became administrator.
She continued in service to the home, helping out wherever she could.
Those of us who have had the privilege to know Mary have been amazed by her stamina and energy. Her complete dedication to making life better for others is greatly admired. All who came in contact with her felt the love of Christ shining through. She touched the heart of everyone she came in contact with.
Mary is survived by her beloved husband of 61 years, Wayne O'Brien Anderson. She is also survived by her daughters, Brenda Buford and husband, Jim, Shawnee, Kan.; Pamela Neal and husband, Ernest, of Denton, Texas, and Janet Vink and husband, Dave, Kansas City, Mo.; son, Wayne Anderson Jr. of Lee's Summit, Mo.; four grandchildren; and numerous great grandchildren.
Additional survivors include sisters, Mildred Anderson (George) of Goldsboro, N.C., Lucille Rouse (Edward) of Shawnee, Kan., Ruth Montague (Jim) of Roxboro, N.C., Doris Lupton (Glenn) of Mount Olive, N.C., and Diane Bissette (Tracey) of Pikeville, N.C.; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Services were held Friday, May 30, 2008, at 11 a.m. at Mount Moriah & Freeman Funeral Home, 10507 Holmes Road, Kansas City, Mo. Burial was in Belton Cemetery.
Visitation was from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Beautiful Savior Lutheran Home, 1003 S. Cedar, Belton, Mo., 64012.
Arrangements are by Mount Moriah & Freeman Funeral Home.
(Pd)
Published in Obituaries on June 4, 2008 1:50 PM