Vera Anderson Obituary

Vera Lee (Scaife) Anderson was born on November 2, 1933 to the union of Alma Evelena Scaife and Willie Williams in Caruthersville, Missouri. She was raised by her grandmother, Ora Lee Dinwiddie. Vera graduated Valedictorian from Lovejoy High School in 1951.
Vera loved the Lord, music and singing. She sang with and was the piano player for the Rose of Sharon Quartet Group in Mount Vernon, Illinois. When she relocated her family from Mt. Vernon, Illinois to South Bend, Indiana in 1977, she began singing with the local quartet union 30-2 and was a member of the gospel group, The Starlites. Besides singing and music, Vera loved to cook, and she was an excellent cook! She passed those skills down to her children as well.
She was preceded in death by her first husband Moses Harris and to this union 10 children were born. After that, she married the loved of her life, Joseph Smith Anderson in 1974 who passed away in March of 2002. Vera wasn't just a mother to her children; she was a mother to all! She took in anyone who didn't have a place to stay, fed them, clothed them and treated them as her own. Vera was truly the neighborhood mother to many.
Upon hearing of her passing, many of her "other children" have reached out to express their condolences and prayers and well wishes, as well as to share their memories of her. Her biological children wish to express gratitude to each of them for reaching out and are grateful to have you as extended family.
Vera Lee Anderson was preceded in death by her parents, Alma Scaife and Willie Williams; her maternal grandmother, Ora Lee Scaife; her brothers, Curtis Mack and Tracy Mack; her stepfather, Willie Major Mack, her stepmothers, Sister Ann Mack and Eldora Mack; her stepbrothers, George Mack, Joseph (Joe) Mack; her stepsister, Ann Rudd; her stepdaughter, Robin Anderson; her granddaughters, LaShaunda and Michelle; and her grandsons, Michael, and Jesse.
She leaves to cherish her memory; five sons, Ray (Darlene) Harris of South Bend, Jesse (Sidonia) Harris of Mesa, Arizona, Donald Harris of Mt. Vernon, IL, Stephen Harris of South Bend, and Roger Harris of Mt. Vernon, IL. Five daughters, Alma Harris, Kyra Harris and Vicki Harris, all of South Bend, Felecia Harris of Mt. Vernon, IL and Faye (Wayne) Ricketts of Chesapeake, VA. She also leaves to cherish her memory her stepchildren, Rhonda, Leslie, Cherri, Pamela, Keith and Eric. A sister-in-law, Bessie Selmon and brother-in-law, Michael Anderson. She also leaves to cherish her memory a host of grandchildren, which includes 19 grandchildren, 38 great grandchildren and 9 great great grandchildren. She also leaves behind her stepsisters, Lisa Mack Miller, Queen Adams and Joyce Starks. Her special friends, Leila Williams, Mary McClinton, Pastor Lillie Robinson and Flo Richardson.
Funeral services for Vera will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, April 11, 2025 at Greater St. John Missionary Baptist Church, 101 N. Adams St. South Bend, IN 46628. Friends may visit with the family one hour prior to the services at the church. Graveside service and burial will immediately follow at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Osceola.
Palmer Funeral Homes-West Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be left for the family by visiting www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.
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