Lilian N. Anderson

Lilian Naomi Anderson passed away on June 12th, 2019, after a short illness, at the age of 96. She is survived by her four children – David, Janet, Eric and Tom, as well as five grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.

Lilian was born on November 5th, 1922 in China, the daughter of a Lutheran missionary. She lived in China for much of her early years. After returning to the US, she graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in sociology.

In 1946, she married Rev. Luther Anderson, settling initially in Seattle. After serving in East Orange, New Jersey for 11 years, the Andersons moved to Wilton Manors in 1960 where Luther became the pastor of First Lutheran Church in downtown Fort Lauderdale, a position he held until 1988. Lilian was deeply involved in the congregation as the 'Preacher's wife', a time period of dramatic growth and change in South Florida. She was also heavily involved in Florida's Church Women United. During that time, Lilian and Luther traveled throughout the world, though their trips back to China were particularly special.

Lilian and Luther had been married 55 years when Luther passed away in 2002. Upon his death, she moved to John Knox Village in Pompano Beach where she lived for the balance of her years.

A memorial service will be held at All Saints Lutheran Church, located at 7875 West McNab Road in Tamarac, on Tuesday, June 25th at 2:30 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations in Lilian's name may be made to All Saints Lutheran Church.