Jean B Anderson

Jean B. Anderson peacefully departed this life on Thursday, April 10, 2025, following a brief illness.
Born Jean Ann Banks on June 5, 1939, to William and Emily Banks at Muhlenberg Hospital in Plainfield, New Jersey-in the "colored section" as it was then known. Jean's life was shaped by the strength and resilience of her upbringing. A proud product of Plainfield, she graduated from Plainfield High School in 1957 and forever remained a loyal Cardinal.
On July 18, 1959, she married Ralph Ryan Anderson. Though the marriage came to an end, from that union came her greatest joys and proudest accomplishments-her daughters, Suzanne Lynn and Leslie Andrea. Jean embodied the essence of motherhood. She spoiled her girls with unconditional love, while instilling in them purpose, pride, and a fierce sense
of independence. She taught them to serve their community with both heart and conviction.
Jean worked in various administrative roles throughout Plainfield and neighboring communities, but her true calling was found in her work at the Grant Avenue Community Center. There, she began by serving senior citizens, organizing trips, coordinating meals, and fiercely advocating for services to enhance their quality of life. However, she truly hit her professional stride when she became Executive Director of Family Development Day Care Center. For over 35 years, Jean poured her energy, wisdom, and passion into educating generations of young children. She developed a strong curriculum rooted in cultural pride-reminding every 3-, 4-, and 5-year-old that they were descendants of kings and queens from Africa.
A lifelong community advocate, Jean was never afraid to challenge the status quo. She was an agent of "good trouble" before the term was popular. Whether through her work with the Mother's Club or serving on the Board of Directors at the Neighborhood House, or her involvement with the Plainfield Educational Support Team and the Board of Adjustment, Jean was a constant force for positive change.
She was a mother not only to her daughters, but to the entire community. Whether comforting the friends of Suzanne and Leslie or caring for the children and families at Family Development, supporting and advocating for her neighbors she embodied the phrase "straight, no chaser"-offering tough love when needed, always delivered with compassion and purpose.
Jean's life was a shining example of service, strength, and love. Her legacy is woven into the fabric of Plainfield. Many credit her as the spark that ignited their own passion for advocacy and community service. She leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire for generations to come.
Jean was predeceased by her parents, William and Emily Banks; her sister, Gladys Morgan; and her beloved firstborn daughter, Suzanne Lynn Anderson.
She is survived by her cherished daughter, Leslie Andrea Anderson; her best friend of over 60 years, Laura Wilma Johnson; her goddaughter Amanda Roxanne Brown, her chosen son Roy Southerland, Jr, and a loving extended family of nieces, nephews, great- and great-great-nieces and nephews, cousins, adopted sons and daughters, and countless friends
whose lives she touched.
Jean B. Anderson lived boldly, loved deeply, and never apologized for who she was. Her independence was unmatched, her spirit unbreakable, and her laughter unforgettable. Though she has earned her rest, her light will never dim. She is now reunited with her beloved Suzanne, her parents, her nana, and so many others who welcomed her with open arms in Heaven.
Her story does not end here, it lives on in all who carry her lessons forward.