Leola Anderson

Leola "Annie" Anderson, 88, of Muskegon, Michigan, passed away unexpectedly at home on Saturday, August 23, 2025.
Born in McNeil, Arkansas on June 11, 1937, Leola was the eldest daughter of Myrtie Ferguson and Dorniece Anderson. From an early age, she demonstrated remarkable discipline and creativity. At just 12 years old, she began baking for her local church in McNeil-a passion that would last a lifetime. Over the years she became well-known for her mouthwatering cakes, especially her legendary 7-Up Pound Cake and German Chocolate Cake, which delighted countless friends and family gatherings. She also kept dozens of handwritten recipes and loved collecting recipe books, building a treasure trove of culinary traditions to pass on.
In addition to her talents in the kitchen, Leola dedicated more than three decades to shaping young minds through her work with the Muskegon Heights Public School System. Beginning in the early 1960s and retiring in 1993, where she served as a beloved educator at King Elementary School. Affectionately called "Ms. Anderson," she cherished reminiscing about the stories of those "devilish kids" and their antics, sharing them with the same sharp wit and humor that characterized her approach to life.
Known for her strong spirit, quick wit, and no-nonsense wisdom, Leola-affectionately called "Annie" by her family, short for Auntie-carried herself with a quiet dignity and was lovingly regarded as the aunt who balanced tough love with an unshakable devotion to family. Her devotion extended into her faith, as a longtime youth Sunday School teacher who often rehearsed her lessons the night before, complete with full visuals written out. Being a proud and faithful member of Greater Harvest Baptist Church, where for decades she could be found in her signature spot-right church-side, third pew-dressed every Sunday in a matching church hat, suit, and her pocketbook (purse) faithfully by her side, until the pandemic kept her home.
She is survived by her brother-in-law, John S. Thornton Jr.; nephew Shaun (Tera) Thornton of Springboro, Ohio; great-nieces Kailyn Daniels, Tahnya Thornton, and Kinsley-"the little genius," as Annie fondly called her; great-nephews Serinus Daniels, Donovan Daniels, and DeShaun Thornton; bonus nieces Tracie Webb and family (Grand Ledge, MI) and Henrietta Wilkinson (Muskegon, MI). She is also survived by her niece and caregiver, Kaja Thornton, with whom she shared her home in recent years. The two spent countless evenings together, where Annie would share her stories, recipes and life lessons-often with a laugh, reminding Kaja, "you're gonna write a book about this one day."
She was preceded in death by her beloved sister, Rose "Boy" Thornton, and other cherished family members. Together again, "Boy" and "Chick" are reunited, riding on to the best casino in heaven.
The family will celebrate her life at Fountain Funeral Home 1765 Peck Street, Muskegon, Mi, Friday, August 29th. Viewing 10am/Service 11am Burial will follow at Sunrise Memorial Garden.