Mary Lee Anderson

Published 9:48 am Friday, January 31, 2025

February 4, 1920 – January 1, 2025

Long-time Resident of Dowagiac, Michigan, Laid to Rest

Funeral Services for Mrs. Mary Lee Anderson, who was 104 years old, were held January 10, 2025, at Brown Funeral Home in Niles, Michigan.  Mary Lee passed away peacefully at Corewell Health Hospital in Niles, Michigan, on January 1, 2025.

She was born on February 4, 1920, in Quincy, Florida, to the late Elijah and Sarah Davis.  She was the last of 14 children to pass away.

Mary Lee met and married Jamie Anderson on February 14, 1946.  Their lives together began in the states of Georgia and Florida.  They had four children while living in the South: Lefoy, Betty Jean, Roger, and Lettie Ann.  Later, Mary Lee and Jamie moved their family to Denver, Colorado, and resided there for a few years.  In 1950, they decided to move to Michigan to be closer to relatives.  They settled in Dowagiac, Michigan, where they parented three more children:  Marian Delores, Richard Elijah, and Jamie, Jr.

Because of her loving spirit, Mary Lee devoted her entire life to taking care of others.  She shared what little she had with anyone who was in need, always opening her doors to those who needed food to eat or a place to sleep.  She worked for 20 years as a domestic engineer for the local dentist and his wife, the late Mr. and Mrs. Robert Neff.  She was instrumental in helping them raise their children, while at the same time raising her own children.

Mary Lee leaves to cherish her memories, five remaining children: Lefoy Anderson, Lettie Ann Buck, and Marion Delores Anderson, all of Dowagiac, Michigan;  Richard Elijah Anderson of Little Rock, Arkansas; and Jamie Anderson, Jr., (Vickie) of Columbus, Ohio; 13 grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren; and 23 great-great-grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Jamie Anderson, Sr., and by two of her children, Betty Jean Anderson and Roger Anderson.

Mary Lee was loved by many and will be greatly missed.