Deaconess Willie Zeabeatrice Anderson, born on July 27, 1938, to the late Milton Eugene and Tempie Reid Wright, departed this earthly life on Friday morning, July 24, 2015. A native of Suffolk, she attended Suffolk Public Schools and graduated from East Suffolk High School. She went on to attend and graduate from Virginia State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration.

Willie united in holy matrimony to Robert Anderson on Oct. 1, 1962, and to this union, two children were born.

Willie worked for New York City Department of Social Services as an executive secretary and retired as assistant office manager after 34 years of service.

After retirement, Willie returned to Suffolk to live and to her home church, Oak Grove Baptist Church. As a devoted member, she served as a member of the Deaconess Board fondly known as “DEBOMS,” Sunday School Class No. 4, and the Beautification Ministry. She continued with God’s plan for her by serving as secretary to the East Suffolk Gardens Civic League.

A true family matriarch, she leaves to cherish her memories, her husband, Robert Anderson; her children, Stuart D. Anderson (Rosa) and Dawn T. Anderson Harris (Roderick); her four siblings: Fannie Mabry (Frankie), Denise Artis, Wilson Eugene Wright (Medicia) and Bertrum Lee Wright, all of Suffolk; three grandchildren: Jaden Horne, Rachel Freeland and Wesley Rhodes; three nieces, six nephews and a host of cousins, godchildren, other family and friends.

Mrs. Anderson will be on view from noon to 7 p.m., and the family will greet guests from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, July 29, 2015, at the funeral home. A celebration of life service will take place at noon, Thursday, July 30, 2015, at Oak Grove Baptist Church, and she will be laid to rest at Carver Memorial Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy and flowers may be extended to the family at www.cookeovertonfuneralhome.com. Professional services are entrusted to T.E. Cooke-Overton Funeral Home Inc.