Frances Elizabeth Henson "Fran" Anderson

ANDERSON, Frances Elizabeth Henson "Fran," passed away April 24, 2009, in Tampa, with her three children by her side. She was born May 14, 1921, in Charleston, W. Va. to E. Bennette Henson M.D. and Lillian Davisson Henson. She was preceded in death by her husband; and her brother, E. Bennette Henson Jr. Fran attended Edgewood Park Junior College in Briarcliff Manor, N.Y. and College of Fine Art, Syracuse University, Syracuse, N.Y. She married Russell Edward Anderson M.D. April 7, 1945, in Charleston. They resided in Columbia, S.C., where he was on the hospital surgical staff at Fort Jackson. Later they moved to Rochester, Minn. where he was a surgical fellow at the Mayo Clinic, After Russ received his Masters in Surgery from the University of Minnesota, the couple moved to Syracuse, N.Y. where they raised their family for 23 years. In 1972, they moved to Prescott, Ariz. where they enjoyed 29 years of life in the West. She served on several community boards. Fran was an active volunteer throughout her life. From her early Red Cross days during World War II, to her Junior League philanthropy work in mid-life, to her later passion as an art docent in Syracuse and Arizona, she was always involved in her community and her church. In 1989, she was awarded Docent of the Year by the Phoenix Art Museum and she was also a member of the Mountain Artists Guild. Fran became an artist in her own right during her Arizona years, studying under noted landscape masters Dick Phillips and Tom Talbot. Her paintings won awards in many juried exhibitions. She is survived by her children, Jeffrey Bennette Anderson (Cheryl) of Paradise Valley, Ariz., Sally Anderson Mabry (Bob) of Tampa, Courtney Martin Anderson (Anne) of Tampa; and her five grandchildren, Tyler, Spencer and Carter Anderson of Tampa, Lauren Mabry Borre (Wes) of Forest Hills, N.Y. and Lindsey Anderson of Paradise Valley, Ariz. She will be best remembered for her artistic spirit, her love of life and family, her charitable heart, and her dignified manner. These were her gifts to those whose lives she touched. A memorial service will take place at 11 a.m. Tuesday May 5, 2009, at Mary' s Episcopal Church, 4311 W. San Miguel St. Tampa, FL. 33629. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, LifePath Hospice or Metropolitan Ministries.