Gretel Saint Clair Lee Anderson, age 102, of 804 Church Street, Clifton Forge, VA, died January 17, 2022, at the Woodlands Health & Rehab Center in Clifton Forge, VA. Mrs. Anderson was preceded in death by her beloved parents, George and Ada Lee; one loving sister, Geraldine Lee White; one cherished daughter, Anelia Leatrice Anderson Adkins, one stillborn child, and her loving husband of 67 years, James Irvin “JI” Anderson.
Born April 19, 1919, in Clifton Forge, VA, Mrs. Anderson was the daughter of the late George and Ada Lee. Gretel spent her youth in Clifton Forge, attending Jefferson High School, graduating in 1937. She attended Hampton Institute, receiving a Bachelor’s Degree in 1941, and later received her Master’s Degree from New York University. She returned to Clifton Forge and became a longtime educator in the Clifton Forge and Alleghany County Public School Systems, retiring after 42 years of service.
She was a member of First Baptist Church, faithfully and tirelessly serving as Clerk, President of the Senior Usher Board and on the Deaconess Board, as well as a member of the Believers Adult Bible Class.
She spent countless hours volunteering at various community and civic organizations in the region: Jefferson School Alumni Association, National Teachers Association, Alleghany Retired Teachers Association, Women’s Federated Club, Bohemian Club, Phyllis Wheatley Chapter of Eastern Star, Volunteer Alleghany Highlands Arts and Crafts Center, Clifton Forge Public Library Board, Clifton Forge Main Street, Inc., Dabney Lancaster Community College Board, and the NAACP. Based on her civic and community participation, the Town of Clifton Forge proclaimed a Gretel Anderson Day commemorating her 100th birthday.
Mrs. Anderson is survived by her devoted son-in-law, COL (Ret.) Ronald (Jo Anne) Adkins of Fairfax Station, VA; two grandchildren, grandson Corey (Kristin) Adkins, of Highlands Ranch, CO; granddaughter Latrice Adkins of Woodbridge, VA; three great-grandchildren, Sage, Cadell, and LeiLani; one cousin, Mrs. Opelene Davis of Williamsburg, VA.
The family of Gretel Anderson would like to express our sincere gratitude for all those who knew and loved her. Thank you to all those who selflessly assisted the family, especially in the years following the passing of her daughter and husband. We would like to extend special thankful recognition to Mrs. Patti Davis Ross, Mrs. Beatrice (BB) Smith, Rev. Dr. Roslyn C. Thomas, and Mrs. Ettrula Moore who selflessly performed the Lord’s work in place of her childhood friend, Anelia.
We also thank the Administration and Staff of the Woodlands Health and Rehab Center and Mountain Regional Hospice for all acts of kindness, prayers, visitation, and support for Mrs. Anderson.
The Family thanks everyone for your conveyance of love, sympathy, and support during these difficult times of bereavement.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 22, 2022, at 11:00 AM in the chapel of Nicely Funeral Home, Clifton Forge with Reverend Dr. Roslyn C. Thomas officiating. Interment will follow in Red Hill Cemetery, Clifton Forge. The family will receive friends Saturday morning from 10:00 AM until the time of service at Nicely Funeral Home.
To send condolences to the family online, please visit www.nicelyfuneralhome.com.
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