Marjorie M. Anderson
Marjorie Millicent McCloud Anderson, aged 92, passed away peacefully on August 31, 2024 at her home in Afton, VA. She was born on February 6, 1932, in Portlock, VA, to Jesse Jackson McCloud and Mildred Bagley McCloud. She later moved to South Norfolk and graduated from South Norfolk High School. Marjorie then met the love of her life, James (Jim) J. Anderson, Sr. while at Lynchburg College, and they were married for 51 years, until his passing in 2002.
She is predeceased by her parents, husband, sister, Mary Lou White (Bobby), sister-in-law, Nettie Jane Hamrick, brother-in-law, George (Wilbur) Fox and devoted daughter, Jane A. Simmons.
She leaves behind a sister, Jacqueline (Jackie) M. Smith, sister-in-law, Fontaine A. Fox, son, James (Jay) J. Anderson, Jr. (Holly), daughter, Jennifer A. Smith (Larry), son-in-law David K. Simmons (Teresa); grandchildren, D. Brandon Simmons (Erin), Melissa A. Becker (Miles), Morgan A. Enzor (Michael), Christopher M. Smith, Millicent Smith Kieley (Schuyler), James (Chip) J. Anderson, III (Laura, fiancé); and great-grandchildren Madison J. Becker, Michael (Finn) Enzor, Mason A. Becker, Colton J. (CJ) Anderson, Emma J. Simmons and a dear friend who was chosen as family, Mary Beth Glass.
Marjorie (aka as Margie/Marge) had a variety of talents, but her two greatest loves were Art and children. Margie attended Lynchburg College and Virginia Commonwealth University to study Art. If you visit her home, you will find many of her paintings and enthusiastic paint splatters on her art room walls. She had the privilege of devoting full time the United Way, March of Dimes and her biggest honor, Girl Scouts. Marjorie spent 25+ years working with leaders and girls of all ages, but especially reached out to troubled teens. She took a major role in various programs such as Daisy Low 5-0, Seek to Reach, VIMS and directed several day camps in the Richmond Area. Her biggest joy was building a Girl Scout Camp on the Wicomico River called Camp Kittamaqund. She would bring her toddler daughter to the 387-acre property and clear brush for camp sites, help construct platforms for tents and more. Camp Kittamaqund is still part of the Girl Scouts of the Commonwealth of Virginia, 56 years later.
When Jim retired, they moved to Afton, VA. Her love for children and community continued to grow. Marge joined Hebron Baptist Church and took a leadership role in Vacation Bible School, AWANA, Bethlehem Reenactment, and after-school activities for children. Both Margie and Jim hosted a special community outreach every July 4th for 20+ years in Afton to recognize and honor first responders, military and those who cared for our country, complete with hayrides, music, three-legged races, and, of course, fireworks. Margie’s story would not be complete if her passion for reading was omitted. From the first grandchild to the last great-grandchild, a visit from Nanny/Grandma meant a trip to the bookstore to find a book (or more) and snuggle in for a story. No child was ever denied a book in her eyes.
The family would like to thank Mom’s dear friend and companion, Sheila, for bringing joy, road trips and music for the last two years, and staying by Mom’s side to the very end. You brought comfort to us all.
Visitation will be held at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 7599 Rockfish Gap Tpk, Greenwood, VA 22943 on September 21, 2024 from 10-12 noon with service and lunch to follow at 12:30. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Rockfish Valley Fire Department, 11100 Rockfish Valley Hwy, Afton, VA 22920.
