Doris B. Anderson

Mrs. Doris Bell Anderson, 91, of Petersburg, Va., went home to be with the Lord Sunday, Oct. 10, 2010.

Doris, otherwise known as "Dot" to her longtime friends, was a lifetime resident of Petersburg. She was the daughter of William Oscar Bell Sr. and Carrie Allen, born on Oct. 21, 1919, at 817 Bolling St. in Petersburg, Va. She attended Virginia Normal, now Virginia State University, before marrying Herman Anderson Sr. and leaving the area to become a military wife, seeing much of the world. Doris enjoyed two careers, one as a traditional stay-at-home mother to her four children, actively participating in the PTA, their activities and seeing them all off to college. Dot's second career was working with children in the Petersburg City Public School System, where she touched many people and retired in 1984.

Doris was a devout Christian. She loved the Lord and served him through the same Bible she owned from early life. She was confirmed at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church and remained an active member there until her death.

At the age of 80 years old, she officially became a "Diamond" of the church, although she had long been a precious "jewel" in St. Stephen's crown. A faithful congregant, Doris supported her church with her prayers, presence, her tithes and offerings; not to mention her membership as a server in the soup kitchen, Episcopal Church Women (ECW) Petersburg Convocation and the Order of the Daughters of the King, an Episcopal order of prayer and service.

Until age 89, Dot maintained a social schedule taking cruises, traveling with her family and friends, never missing the meetings of the "Retired Teachers Club," nor her beloved Pokeno group. She and her friends are and were a vibrant comraderie around the city, never seeming to age or tire. Anyone who hung out with Doris knew she loved to dance, joke, socialize and eat. And for a little person, she really did enjoy food to its fullest!

Doris survived her dear big brother, William "Buck" Bell (1918-2004), and spoke of looking forward to seeing him again in eternal life. The family knows they are together, holding hands and looking like the cute pair they were during their physical lives.

Her family will sorely miss the bright light that Doris brought to their lives. She is survived by her children: Carrie Anderson Brown, Herman Anderson Jr. (Mary), Luther P. Anderson (Cheryl) and Patricia Anderson. She has five grandchildren: Lucinda "Cindy" Anderson Hughes (Kemry), AmaTiombi "Ama" Brown Fenton (Jordan), Kojo Brown, Gerald Anderson (Lashaun) and Lanessa Young (Antonio); 11 great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Mattie P. Bell, Nannie Wise and Virginia Lawrence; brother-in-law, Woodrow Anderson; and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

A requiem Mass will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 16, 2010, at the St. Stephens Episcopal Church, 228 Halifax St., Petersburg, Va. Interment to follow in the Wilkerson Memorial Cemetery.

The family will received friends at 4517 Hickory Road, Ettrick, Va., and may be contacted by calling (804) 504-5403.

Family members and friends are invited to pay final tribute to Mrs. Anderson online at www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com where you may view a video tribute online or at the establishment.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to the staff of J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment Inc., 102 South Ave., Petersburg, Va., (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com.