ALTONA "TONI" ANDERSON

Rest in peace dear Toni. We will cherish the memories of our adventures in Oakland and in Williamsburg -- our interior design and cooking efforts, planning our wedding, selling our home in Oakland and buying our home in Williamsburg. You were an amazing friend and we will miss you.......Ruth and Clarence

Toni Anderson
March 14, 1935 November 27, 2019

Hi, Sugar!

Altona Toni' Anderson died in Potomac, MD at the age of 84, of complications caused by Alzheimer's disease.

Born in Farmville, VA, Toni was the fourth of six children to Altona (Trent) and Rev. Vernon Johns; a civil rights pioneer. She graduated from Spelman College and married Dr. John W.R. Anderson, Capt. DC. U.S.N. As the wife of a naval officer, Toni moved often until settling in the Bay Area in 1970.

Toni began to make her mark in the Oakland business community as Community Projects manager for the Clorox Company headquarters; planning events, and sponsoring projects. She spearheaded fundraising efforts for the East Oakland Youth Development Center which has grown into a shining, national model for youth development. She later worked for the City of Oakland's Department on Aging as an administrator until retirement. With her strong presence, intelligence, quick wit and social flair - Toni was instantly memorable.

She pursued her love of interior design by creating a business primarily through referrals. She eventually had projects extend to the east coast that allowed her to combine work with family visits in the Washington, DC area. She enjoyed public speaking engagements to talk about black history and her father's role as grandfather of the civil rights movement.

Other accomplishments include:
The Clorox Company Foundation, Board Member
San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board, Member (appointed by Governor Jerry Brown)
Black Filmmaker's Hall of Fame, Inc., Fundraiser & Volunteer

Toni had three daughters with ex-husband, John, and watched them eventually migrate to the Washington, DC metro area after high school. For the next 40 years she entertained frequently out of her condo near Lake Merritt and remained an active community member. Her southern hospitality came forth when she invited just about anyone into her home; cooked comfort foods and amused them with her storytelling. She was direct, she was real, she talked loud and laughed loud. She enjoyed the company of men, quoted classic poetry by memory and followed it with a dirty limerick. She was a voracious reader; a lover of the arts and a beautiful piano player.

Toni was attracted to interesting people and she collected them over the years and nurtured her relationships going back to childhood. Her generosity was deep and if you were motherless - she was your mom. One of her closest friends said: she was supremely loyal to her friends, no matter what or how they behaved and lived their lives. She loved you more than you loved yourself. She had a curious nature; she loved to explore people and enjoyed being studied by others. She cultivated a diverse group of friends that satisfied her need for attention; to be engaged and to be heard. She truly lived a fabulous and full life up until approximately five years ago. For Alzheimer's to target Toni was the cruelest thing to witness. Her daughters moved her to the east coast in 2018 to be near her and find the best care. She will be remembered as a Super-mom; a strong & loving mother, grandmother and friend.

Toni is survived by her daughters, Shelly Wolfe (George), Jocelyn Hill (Keith), and Millicent Olive (Cordell); five grandchildren; two sisters, Enid Johns and Jeanne Adkins; and a host of other relatives and friends.

A service will be held in early 2020. Contact the family at: [email protected]

Bye, Sugar Pie!'

Rest in peace, Aunt Toni. I will always cherish our final visit. Love you.

My deepest condolences to the family. May the God of all comfort sustain your family during the days ahead. Psalms 119:76

This season is a continual reminder of God's ultimate gift of His "only begotten son" to the world. I am also reminded of Toni's acts of kindness over the fifty-plus years of our friendship. One is especially vivid. I was unable to participate in our 50th reunion activities at Spelman College because of my caretaker role with my mom. Toni took the time to visit us, spending the night and assisting me in taking my mother to a medical appointment. I will always remember how Toni lifted our spirits and unexpectantly connected me to our class of 1955. Lydia Walker

My deepest sympathy to the family of Alton Anderson. May you be comforted in knowing that our Heavenly Father cares for you. He will give you strength and courage to cope with your grief. Psalm 94:17-19

COUSIN JOAN

LOVED MY COUSIN, ADELAIDE, AND WILL MISS HER! ALWAYS FELT SO CLOSE TO ADELAIDE AND HER SISTERS, ENID AND JEANNE, SINCE THEY GREW UP ON A FARM IN DARLINGTON HEIGHTS, VIRGINIA, NEAR MY SISTER, BARBARA,AND I.