Maurice W. "Morey" Anderson

Maurice William Anderson
Morey was born on Dec. 3, 1936, and died on Jan. 27, 2025. He is survived by his wife Betty, and is cherished in memory from the moment they first met one Sunday morning in 1954 on the steps of Capital University. Together, they completed their college degrees, married in 1960 and lived on base when Morey was in the Army. From there, Morey and Betty grew their family and their careers in education.
Morey grew up in Grand Rapids and Detroit, MI, and was a graduate of Cooley High School. He attended graduate studies at Eastern University, the University of Kentucky and Michigan State University. He started his career in education as a teacher as he worked toward his master's degree. Upon completion of his master's, he became a school counselor and then an elementary school principal for Elmwood Elementary and Stiles Elementary schools in the Avondale School District. Fond memories of Principal Anderson greeting children and colleagues on and off the bus line with a smile and a quick pun echo around the minds of those who were there to witness it.
Morey was an avid golfer (with a smooth, wristy-swing), he's been a member of the Optimist Club (yes, really!) and he was a fine trombonist in his youth. He's been the volunteer of the year for the Roscommon Literacy Program, he's been "the best woodworker ever" to grandson Danny, he's been a Detroit and Michigan area sports enthusiast, a devoted choir member for Trinity Church in Clawson, for Church of the Master in Troy, for Messiah Lutheran Church in Roscommon, for Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Royal Oak and for the Spirit of Christ Lutheran Church in Clawson.
At various points in his life, Morey was also a railroader, a Kresge store manager, a real estate agent, a church board member, a mentor to a host of teachers and administrators, a member of the Troy Community Chorus, a member of the Houghton Lake Democratic Party, and a Kiwanis Club member in Prudenville and Royal Oak.
He was also a wonderful husband, father and grandfather. Morey left the world a better place for having passed through it. Maybe he'll be there standing on the sidewalk with his deep maroon suit, mustache and long sideburns when we "get off the bus" – making a pun about us being "late."
Mom, he's up there waiting for you (if he's not in the middle of a round of golf with his dad and Clyde). Danny, he's not far away if you need his advice on something – just like always.
Morey was preceded in death by his father "Andy," his mother Frances, his sisters Betty and Jean, many friends, nieces, nephews, cousins and dear pets. I suspect he's been well-received.
Morey is survived by his wife Betty, his sons Jay (Deb) and Dave (Reida) – and his daughter Jennie. He is also survived by grandchildren Beth (Ian), Kerrie (Wyatt), James (Megan), Mateo and Danny, great-grandchildren AJ, Claire and Annabelle. He loved you all.
Memorial donations would be appreciated to two of Morey's favorite causes: Living Waters Ministry and the Michigan Humane Society.
Memorial visitation for Morey will be held on Sunday, February 2, from 2 p.m. until time of service, 4 p.m., at Wm. Sullivan & Son Funeral Directors, 705 W. Eleven Mile Rd. (four blocks east of Woodward), Royal Oak.