On June 10, 1938, a legacy was born to Willie and Lucille (Schooler) Gardner in the personage of Willie Frances Gardner. The roots of her life were anchored in the community of Decatur, MS, where she attended Decatur Baptist Church.  She was a 1957 graduate of C.H.Boler HIgh School, Decatur, MS and a graduate of T.J. Harris College, Meridian, MS.

In 1960 Mother Anderson moved to Chicago, IL and was joined in holy matrimony to Sherdell Anderson, Sr. She moved back to Newton, MS to be near her family and became a member of the Macedonia Church of God in Christ family. She served as the President of Y.P.W.W. (Young People Willing Workers). She had boundless love for God and His people. No matter the length of the journey or the condition of the souls, it if was within her power, she found time to help. Even after becoming completely bedridden, she continued this selfless giving of herself through her phone ministry (her best friend), counseling medical staff who assisted in caring for her, and many in the community who called seeking prayer and spiritual guidance.

Mother Anderson is proceeded in death by her parents: Willie and Lucille Gardner; Husband, Sherdell Anderson, Sr.; Sister, Barbara Cunningham; Brothers, Willie Gardner, Jr and Jerry (Tick) Gardner; daughter, Sondra Wash; and one son-in-love, Elder James Wansley.

She leaves to honor and cherish her memories three daughters, Sandra Wansley, Moss Point, MS; Tracy Anderson (her caregiver, 2 nd to none, who she often called her other Mother), Newton, MS and Quanita (Pedro) Eatman, Gautier, MS. One son,  Sherdell Anderson, Jr., Jackson, MS. Four sisters; Helen Harwell, Chicago, IL; Ida Ruth Morrison, Lavern (Tommy) Hardy, and Dorothy Salters, all of Newton, MS. Brother-in-law, Victor Cunningham, Newton, MS; sister-in-law, Christine Gardner, Lawrence, MS; 10 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

God bless Mother Anderson as her presence now blesses the realm of Glory.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, September 7, 2021 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM with graveside service immediately following at Newton County Memorial Gardens.