Obituary of Betty Jean Anderson

Betty Jean Anderson, our beautiful Angel, Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother, Spiritual Warrior and Friend, was called home on February 28, 2016. Betty was born in Cherokee County, North Carolina on October 6, 1934. In 1956, she married James Harold Anderson and from that union of 19 years, 6 children were born. Betty worked in retail sales and community services for many years until she retired in 2006. She supported the men and women of the Air Force Armed Services in her role as a Sales Representative at the Davis-Monthan Air Force Base Exchange. She tirelessly worked to support the community of Tucson while working at the Northwest Neighborhood Community Center in her role as a Support Specialist. After many years of dedication to others, Betty retired and found more time to devote to her family. She especially enjoyed spoiling her grand/great-children and did so as often as possible. Oh, how she loved those babies! Betty's heart was made of pure gold and that was never more apparent than when she became a foster mom. Over several years, she cared for, and affected the lives of many children, but Marketa and Debonea tugged at her heartstrings and soon became part of the family, making Betty a mother of 8. Betty was a woman of many talents. She was an amazing cook! Not many could rival her recipes for baked ham, greens, fried corn and sweet potatoes. Anyone who has tasted her cornbread dressing will agree that it's like heaven in your mouth! One of Betty's favorite places to go was the casino, so any time you wanted to get on her good side, you could take her to play the slots. She loved the thrill of a win! Betty was a Spiritual Warrior and never, ever wavered in her faith in God. No matter how difficult her trials and tribulations, she stood steadfast in her belief that God would bring her out of it. She instilled this faith in her children and grandchildren in hopes that they would see the Kingdom of God someday. We believe that she watches over us now from alongside the throne of God. The passing of our Matriarch has left a huge void in our hearts and in our lives. We miss her dearly, but take solace in knowing that those beautiful, green eyes of hers are now gazing upon the Glory of the Lord and she is happy to be with God. Betty is survived by James (Capria) Anderson, Terry Anderson, Angela Anderson, Audrey (Eric) Rogers, Brian (Mandy) Anderson, Gwen (Wayne) Anderson, Marketa (Keymone) Anderson, Debanea (Richard ) Anderson; Willis Family; Sylvia Anderson, Julie Anderson; 29 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. Betty is preceded in death by her parents, William and Mary McKinney; husband, James Harold Anderson; son, Michael Anderson; daughter, Lorie Ann Anderson; close cousin, Patricia Willis.