PLEASE NOTE PLACE OF SERVICE HAS BEEN CHANGED!
Barbara Claire Anderson, beloved wife, dedicated mother and grandmother, and friend to all passed away at her home in Statesville, N.C., on September 6, 2024, at the age of 88. Barbara’s deep love for Jesus Christ, family, and community radiated through her beautifully until her very last breath.
Barbara was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., and from her earliest age was a deep thinker and artist at heart. She grew up in Floral Park and enjoyed family outings, weekend gatherings, summer camp with her sister, and the Brooklyn Dodgers baseball games with her father. She attended Sewanhaka High School, where she made lifelong friendships and nurtured a passion for learning which stayed with her always. Barbara had fond memories of twirling for her high school in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. She attended Word of Life Camp in Schroon Lake, N.Y., where she found her profound calling to serve the Lord and dedicate her life to others. As a member of Bellrose Baptist Church, she met the love of her life, Earl L. Anderson, also from Brooklyn, N.Y. She knew at first sight he would be her husband and eternal love.
Her greatest desire was to be a mother and raise a big family, which she did with great passion and deep love. They raised their six children on Long Island, N.Y., with many years in Huntington, where Barbara was a devoted member of Sovereign Grace Baptist Church, serving as the organist and pianist. She loved playing duets, especially the piece “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring,” with her youngest daughter, Beth, at church. Barbara and Earl delighted in hosting large parties with church friends, including many musical concerts in their beautiful home built by Earl. She relished her role as homemaker, wife and mother.
Beyond raising her family and serving her church, Barbara dedicated her life to helping anyone in need. Earl and Barbara’s home was always open to extended family members and strangers alike, who needed a place to rest, a comforting word, and a delicious meal. Barbara cared for her mother-in-law, Monserat Dominque Anderson, and later her mother Nellie Lillian Swenson Saxon. Barbara and Earl also cherished their dear friend, Karl A. Olson, who was a brother in Christ. During these years, Barbara and Earl enjoyed their growing family, including grandchildren, and delighted in gatherings filled with lively conversations, love, music, and fellowship.
In 1983, Barbara and Earl moved to Statesville, N.C., where they invested in real estate and local economic development, including Eastway Plaza, 115 South Center Street, and Audubon Acres. Many in the Statesville community fondly remember Eastway Deli, owned by Barbara and Earl, and especially Barbara’s famous chicken salad, which was a favorite of all! During these years, Barbara taught piano lessons and hosted joyous annual Christmas concerts. Barbara attended many churches during her years in Statesville and loved every single one of them and their congregations.
In more recent years, after Earl’s passing in 2019, Barbara embraced her last chapter in life and continued to minister to anyone in need, opening her home, making new friends, and offering a kind word of encouragement to anyone she encountered. Her greatest passion for hospitality continued with her throughout her life. There was nothing she loved more than to be with friends and family, enjoying a meal together, sharing thoughts about current events or the latest book she read, and most of all the meaning of Christianity and the Lord’s love for all.
Barbara was a lifelong student and passionate teacher whose desire to learn and share knowledge never ceased. She was an artist, poet, pianist, letter writer, historian, gardener, avid reader and all-around interesting person. She had the innocent laugh of a child and a deep passionate soul. She was intentional in her actions, generous beyond words, and appreciated simple beauty. She lived and loved passionately, always found the positive in everything, always encouraged a sense of humor, and inspired all who knew her.
Barbara was preceded in death by her loving husband Earl Lewis Anderson, mother Nellie Swenson Saxon, and father Eric (Zacherson) Saxon as well as her grandchildren Kyle and Erica. She is survived by her children, Darlene Armenti (Dave), Paul Anderson (Gina), Peter Anderson (Clara), Linda Wernig (Rick), Eric Anderson (Terri), and Beth L Hill; and grandchildren, Daniel (Danielle), Craig, Justin (Melanie), David, Andrew, Steven, Jon (Nicole), Luke, Nick (Kristina), Dina (Joe), Cara (Dan), Christian, Sawyer (Sidney), John Earl (Jillian) and Ethan; and great grandchildren, Axel, David, Danny, Logan, Ella, Ruby, Drew, Nicholas, Stephen, Everly, Erik, Mila, Maisie, Maria, Sonny, Noah, Cooper, and Gracyn. She is also survived by her sister Virginia Klassen and many nieces and nephews.
Beloved wife, mother, and friend, Barbara made a mark on all our hearts. We are all beneficiaries of her time with us. While some might think it a tremendous task to fill her shoes, she would invite us all to the table. May we celebrate the simple moments of tenderness. May we hear the call to serve. May we rise to the occasion and continue her beautiful legacy.
Calling hours will be held on Thursday, September 26, 2024, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Nicholson Funeral Home on Front Street. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Friday, September 27, 2024, at 11 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church with burial following at Oakwood Cemetery in Statesville, N.C. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Barbara’s memory to one of the many local organizations she supported.
Nicholson Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements.