Obituary of Mary Juanita Neese Anderson

On Sunday, October 24, 2021, Juanita Anderson arrived at her heavenly mansion where she was welcomed by Jesus who handed her the keys. When she opened the door, "her Bud" was waiting for her and she leapt into his loving and adoring arms. Juanita Anderson was born on September 7, 1930, in Wythe County, Virginia, to the late Walter R. Neese Sr. and Mary Archer Neese, the fourth child of their seven children. Her parents, brothers and sisters predeceased her. While attending a baseball game for George Wythe High School eating a moon pie and drinking a Pepsi, she caught the eye of a young third baseman, Alvin I. "Bud" Anderson, who became the love of her life. That began their courtship. While attending George Wythe High School, she entered the Miss Wythe County beauty contest. After performing, "If I knew you were coming, I would have baked a cake," Juanita was crowned Miss Wythe County. Following graduation in 1950, Juanita married Bud Anderson, with whom she celebrated 55 years of marriage until his passing on June 2, 2005. Their union resulted in three children, eight grandchildren and five great-grandchlildren, all of whom survive her. Son and daughter-in-law, Tony and Paula Anderson, grandson, Phil and Brandi Anderson, great-grandchildren, Addi, Preston and Parker; Grandson, Chris and Caitlin Anderson and great-grandson, Grand Anderson; grandson, Garrett and Grayson Hollingsworth, great-grandson, Wade, and grandson, Gavin Hollingsworth; daughter and son-in-law, Robin and L. B. Bailey; grandchildren, Brandy Bailey and Chase Bailey; and son and daughter-in-law, Gary and Susan Anderson; grandson, Ryan and Jenna Ray Anderson; and granddaughter, Sarah Anderson.

Granny Juanita was a homemaker and she cared for her family and served as babysitter to many. After "her Bud's" retirement from the auto parts industry, Bud and Juanita became a fixture as the train engineers for the children's train at Valley View Mall. They also served as the talking bears and provided the Christmas entertainment for the children at Valley View Mall. As she became a grandmother to her own family, Granny Juanita also met friends of her grandchildren and she affectionately became known as Granny Juanita to everyone she came into contact with. She was an extremely engaging, loving, and kind person who saw good in everyone. Her lasting legacy will be one of love, kindness and as a prayer warrior.

Granny Juanita along with "her Bud" were faithful members of the congregation of what is today known as New Life Christian Ministries on Airport Road. The served in several capacities such as Sunday School teacher, the youth directors, and also known as "lif liners" for many years. The friendships they developed within the congregation lasted for a lifetime.

The family wishes to thank all of the staff at The Harmony Assisted Living facility and a special thank you to Dr. Tim Callis, who was not only her doctor, but a beloved friend.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests that memorials be made to New Life Christian Ministries.

The family will receive friends from 2 until 4 p.m. and from 6 until 8 p.m. Tuesday, October 26, 2021, at Simpson Funeral Home 5160 Peters Creek Road. A celebration of Juanita's life will be held 2 p.m. Wednesday, October 27, 2021, at New Life Christian Ministries, 5745 Airport Road, Roanoke, with Pastors Tony Atkinson and Gary Alls officiating. Interment will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens. Arrangements by Simpson Funeral Home, 366-0707.