Willie Edward Anderson

Willie Edward Anderson, aged 76, passed away on October 26, 2024, in Seattle, WA. Born on February 20, 1948, Willie spent his formative years in North Charleston, SC, where he attended Bond Wilson High School before earning a degree from Livingston College in Salisbury, NC. Willie dedicated 17 years to teaching mathematics in Rowan and Forsyth counties in North Carolina. His passion for education and advocacy led him to work with the National Education Association (NEA) starting in 1984, and in 1987 he relocated to Alaska to join the Anchorage Education Association (AEA). He later moved to Juneau, where he served as a lobbyist and Uniserve Director for NEA-Alaska until his retirement in 2014.

Beyond his professional life, Willie was deeply involved in his community and political activism. He was a lifelong advocate of politics and justice, learning the ropes of door-to-door campaigning from his mother as a teenager. He championed pro-worker and LGBTQIA+ rights and other Democratic values at every opportunity including serving as an Alaska delegate at the Democratic National Convention. His efforts were recognized in 2024 when he received the Democratic Party of Alaska Lifetime Achievement Award. Willie also supported various organizations, including PFLAG, the ACLU of Alaska, and Omega Psi Phi fraternity. Willie was a member of the Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church in Juneau, Alaska.

He is survived by his daughter, Latonia S. Anderson (Ardree Chatfield); former spouse, Carolyn L. Anderson; sisters, Helen Clarke (Llewelyn Clarke) and Joanne Anderson; partner of 36 years, Marsha Buck; step-daughters, Lys Buck (Liz Yoon) and Lene Kiester (Phil Kiester); and grandchildren Jordan Yoon-Buck, Claire Kiester, Emlyn Yoon-Buck, and Owen Kiester, along with numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. Willie was preceded in death by his father, Jefferson J. Anderson; mother, Mary V. Gamble; and brothers, Thomas J. Anderson, Laverne V. Anderson, and Robert H. Anderson.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Willie's honor can be made to ACLU of Alaska, Doctors Without Borders, USA, or a Democratic candidate of your choice, continuing his legacy of advocacy and compassion.

Willie leaves behind a legacy of commitment to improving the world and an example of living passionately for a cause. His dedication, love, and spirit will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who were inspired by his life's work.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Juneau, Alaska at the Juneau Yacht Club on January 12th starting at 1 pm.