Obituary - Helen Holley Anderson

Helen Holley Anderson, of Glen Allen, Virginia, died Thursday, September 19, 2024, at home, at peace, as she wished. Born February 5, 1929, in Pittsylvania County, Virginia, she was daughter of Thomas C. Holley and Cora Gammon H. Edwards. She was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years in 2001, Richard George Anderson.

Survivors include her two daughters, Patricia Jo Anderson (David Grose) and Cynthia A. Schmidt (David); grandchildren Kaitlynn Lewis (Tim), Lauren Grose (Tyler Pasake), Berkley Nestler (Matthew) and Travis Schmidt (Lindsay); and two great-grandchildren, Evelyn Lewis and Owen Pasake.

Helen’s childhood was tough, losing her father when she was only seven; that same year her brother Gilmer was killed by lightning. She lost another brother, Randy, just four years later. But she was a devoted sister to Stella “Dootsie” and Earl “Monk” for the many years that followed. She attended Brosville High School in Danville, Virginia, forming close bonds with friends that lasted well into her 90s.

Her first job was at the S.S. Kresge Company department store making a whopping 25 cents an hour, later joining the C&P Telephone Company as a switchboard operator. After marrying Richard, who was also employed by C&P, they settled in Danville where both daughters were born. Richard was transferred to Richmond, Virginia in 1959, where they built a wonderful life together.

Helen went to back to work at C&P as a customer service representative, a job that well-suited her outgoing, friendly personality. She advanced to training supervisor and was fortunate to retire at age 55. Throughout her career, she was very involved with her daughters’ lives, from leading their Girl Scout troop to styling the hair of many of her kids’ friends for various high school dances. She enjoyed being a member of Mount Vernon Baptist Church since 1959.

During retirement, she and Richard loved traveling around the country for reunions of his “army buddies”. They were both active in the Telephone Pioneers of America, attending luncheons and sharing stories of the good old days. And nothing brought her more joy than being “Grammy” and “MeeMee” to her grandchildren. After Richard passed away soon after they moved in their home in Crosspoint, she built new friendships while holding onto the old, especially with her “BFF” Norma Mercado.

The family would like to thank her special neighbors and many caregivers who made it possible to enjoy her final days in her home, including Bill, Paula, Delores, Nancy, Gloria; and the Home Instead team: Denell, Faye, Therese, and Tawanda. VCU Health Hospice at Home by Bayada also provided exceptional end-of-life care.

A celebration of life will be held Thursday, October 3, 2024 from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Virginia Crossings Hotel, 1000 Virginia Center Parkway, Glen Allen, VA 23059. Interment will be private at Greenwood Cemetery. Online guest book is available at affinityfuneralservice.com.