Scotts Funeral Home | Richmond, VA

Obituary For Leona Renee Anderson

On Good Friday, March 29, 2024, Leona Renée Anderson departed this realm to spend eternity with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Leona fought, quite strongly, an unfairly intense battle with cancer, professing “I choose life” to the very end.

Anderson was raised in Hot Springs, Virginia in the picturesque Allegheny Mountains, as the quiet and observant member of a large, boisterous family. In high school, she quickly garnered a reputation as an astute scholar, finishing as salutatorian of the Bath County High School class of 1982. One of her teachers was so impressed, he taught from Leona’s notebook until his retirement.

Leona attended the University of Virginia where she studied psychology. She fostered a career centered in wisdom, administrative genius, and fiscal responsibility. She worked in the banking industry for many years before transitioning into full-time ministry. Leona had a passion for travel and serving communities in mission work–including service trips to Guatemala, Venezuela, and Oaxaca, Mexico. She especially loved working with children. The highlight of her career included serving an international ministry that led her to Zimbabwe, where she lived for three years. At the time of her passing, Leona served as assistant dean to Faith Landmarks Bible Institute’s international schools.

Leona loved authentic Mexican cuisine and her own enchilada recipe was out of this world. Like her father, Leona had a tenacity for solving logic problems and complex puzzles. She was a prolific jigsaw puzzle enthusiast and also enjoyed board games. In this regard, her family is indebted to her for always reading the instructions and fine print and for her shrewdness as the elected Monopoly banker. Most of all, Leona will be remembered for her quiet and humble servitude, her dedication to following and serving her God, and for demonstrating God’s love to his people.

Ms. Anderson is preceded in death by her father Roger Algernon Anderson who passed away in 2014. She is survived by a host of loving family members including her mother, Janice D. Anderson of Hot Springs, Virginia; five sisters: Jane D. Green of Las Vegas, Nevada; Sandra D. Anderson of Los Angeles, California; Leona’s caretaker, Vivian M. Bedford (Daniel, Jr.) of Richmond Virginia; Pamela E. Anderson of Dallas, Texas; and Rachel A. Watts (Alexander) of Petersburg, Virginia; and two brothers: Roger A. Anderson II of Hot Springs, Virginia; and Michael “Mick” Anderson of Durham, North Carolina. Leona and her family claim beloved neighbor, Jerrila Adderton Paul of Louisville, Kentucky, as sister, too. Ms. Anderson was the aunt to a niece and four nephews: Nicole Kinnane (Callum); Isaac Watts; Bryce Bedford; Elwynn Wheeler; and Justin Bedford.

A homegoing celebration will take place at 11 AM on Tuesday, April 9th at Scott's Chapel 116 E. Brookland Park Blvd; Richmond, VA 23222.

Guest Book

Sweet Ms Lee..You shall be missed dearly..May your sweet soul rest in eternal Peace,Till we meet again!!!

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Beautiful lady inside and out. You will be missed. Rest well....The Harris family, Midlothian, Tx

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To my beautiful Anderson family... my heart breaks for your loss... I am so deeply sorry. May the power of God's love and the eternal presence of Leona's spirit provide you with comfort and strength in the days ahead. Sending all our love, Lea Pappas and family

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We had the honor and privilege of know Ms Leona Anderson over the years that she worked alongside Bishop Tudor and Pastor Chichi. We had even more memories when she moved to Zimbabwe for a few years and there were never dull moments when we all were in the office or at home. She has left us all with a hole in our hearts and she will be missed tremendously. Rest well Ms Leona.

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To Janice and family, our love and prayers are with you. May God give you strength, grace and mercy to carry on in the days to come. You have suffered a tremendous loss, yet heaven has gained a precious soul who was welcomed home. For that, we praise God for strength and peace that will surely come to all of you as He promises in His Word. Love you all. Your sister-in-law and Aunt, Betty, and your cousins, Lisa and Robert.

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As we mourn our loss here, there is a celebration in heaven as the beloved Leona is welcomed home. She left quite a legacy of love with everyone who knew her. Those memories will be our comfort in the days to come.

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I'm going to miss you so much. You taught me so much during the time we had you in Zimbabwe.You always had such kind words a beautiful atmosphere around you. Our deepest condolences to the family. We know you are in a beautiful place. Love always Lindy

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To Ms. Leona, I can remember having girls nights at your house - you would cook a scrumptious dinner, we would work on a puzzle, and watch feel-good movies. You always made sure there was a place for me at your table. You taught me how to be a good leader and administrator. You were patient with me at such a young age - for that I will forever be grateful. I cherish the season we had together, traveling for ministry events, laughing in your car, and bonding over all of the things we had in common (particularly our love for organization). I love you and honor you today. - Abigail Holmes

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My thoughts and prayers 🙏🏽❤️ are with family and friends of Leona Anderson. I had the honor and privilege of serving with Leona in ministry while she was in Texas. She was definitely a prayer warrior, quiet however effective and powerful, she knew how to transact business in the spirit realm. I really got to know Leona when we traveled together for prayer summits. Leona spirit of excellence and organization skills were like none other. She also had a heart of gold. I remember as she was preparing to move out of the country, she sowed her entire household of furniture to me as I had just moved into a new house after a divorce. Leona definitely left an impression on all who encountered her and she will forever be in my heart~Constance Harp DeSoto Tx

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Elton

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Ms lee as l called her, what a sweet, kind person she was, I was her driver for the time she was with us in zimbabwe,I can't believe she's 💔 gone, God why? Friend you'll be missed.Rip

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I am so very Deeply Saddened to learn of the passing -Transition of our Dear Precious Amazing Leona. Our Families go back and bond , including our walk in Jesus Christ ,more than three generations. It is so beautiful to know that Leona chose to live her life fully in the Lord God Almighty impacting lives everywhere Perpetually. I pray for more LOVE, strength, courage unity, and every Provision for her Mother, siblings, entire family, community ,and friends than ever before. All of my heart Beverley Elliott-Butcher

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Offering condolences, comfort and peace to your family

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My beautiful niece Leona you will be missed. Your smile and grace when you entered a room was inviting. The presence of your FATHER was upon you. You were a good and faithful servant. Now rejoice in heaven!

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My condolences to the family of Leona Anderson. I had the pleasure of ministering with her in a couple of church reachouts. And when I think about Leona, I think about Matt 25:23, Well done thou good & faithful, enter into the joy of the Lord! I pray for God's comfort & grace to her family. Barbara Chambers, Faith Landmarks Min Pastoral SupportGGg

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I am thankful that it is not the end, but rather the beginning of living life on the other side, in eternity with God's presence like never before, and knowing that every good memory we have of Ms. Leona is still very much a part of who she is in Christ. We who are in Christ will soon again experience the kindness, wisdom, excellence of skill, friendship, and beauty of Ms. Leona's life. The legacy she leaves behind will continue to inspire us here. -J. and S. Talley.

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What can you say to someone so kind to everyone she touches. Her heart,thouhgts,willingness to help others and be there when you need a friend or just someone to talk too. Is just one of Gods perfect creation on this earth. I Bernard Amerine her cousin will truly miss the love we shared while growing up together. May she rest in peace now and Dance with her aunt Dolores my mom and the Angels in Heaven. Much love Cuz we will Miss you and Love you! May God Be with you!!

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Any interaction I ever had with Ms Leona at Faith Landmarks Ministries and with questions for our Stars 1 (Impact) group, alongside of her Stars 2 girls, she was always so generous and kind to assist me. She always carried a beautiful spirit with her and would help anyone.. blessed to have known her... thankful to know she is with our Jesus! She is greatly missed already and I lift prayers of peace for her family. Sophie Kovacs

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A wonderful lady. Always smiling and willing to help. Enjoy heaven!

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Dearest Leona was first of all my friend. Then she was my neighbor for 7 years. She cooked some excellent soups and chili. She would call me and say she had some soup to share and I would readily accept! Leona was a loyal friend! I enjoyed our many conversations over soup or chili! She was a Godly lady who reflected the Love of Jesus to those around her. And she loved my family. Leona loved her some Sadie! My parents, George and Sadie, were "Leona fans" as well. Leona was a woman of prayer. She hardly ever turned on her small TV. She would rather study, listen to messages or pray. One day, when we see her again, we will know the far reaching affects of her prayers. I know she prayed for my family. I will miss Leona. The memory of our friendship will be cherished in my heart for the rest of my life. We Love You, and miss you! Timothy Tellez, George and Sadie Tellez

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Leona was a very kind and sweet loving person. If I had one word to describe her it would be faithful. She was someone that you could count on to get it done. She was very organized and dependable and you could count on her to do what you asked of her. Leona will truly be missed. In the midst of her going through her healing process she still found the time to help others and get things done. I had the pleasure of working with her in the Stars 2 on Wednesday night( Impact Girls) and it was a blessing. We worked with 5th and 6th graders and she thoroughly enjoyed being with the girls. Every now and then we had to pursue her to teach a lesson and when she did it was absolutely great. Leona had a sweet and kind gentle spirit and she will be missed. I'm thankful for the time that I had with her and I thank God for the impact that she had on all of us in the Stars class. Even though she is no longer her on earth the impact that she had on others will live on. I will miss you but you will never be forgotten. Thank you God for the time you gave me with my sister in Christ Ms. Leona. Love your friend LaQuita Cobb

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We had the pleasure (the honor) really, of being Leona's pastor, employer, and most importantly, her friend for many years. Her coming to us was an answer to prayer, and a gift to our lives and ministry. She brought order, excellence, a spirit of service, honor, and integrity in a way very few can. She touched the lives of everyone she came in contact with, and made an everlasting impact everywhere she was planted. Our heart hurts today, but only for ourselves and those she leaves behind. For Leona, she is with her heavenly Father, in the presence of Jesus, and finally, completely aware of how HE sees her. Our love and prayers are with her family today. We are all better because we knew Leona Anderson! ~ Brian A. Holmes

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Its so many words that could describe Ms. Leona Anderson but if I had to choose one it would be FAITHFUL! Leona was faithful, consistent, and she had a heart of gold. She had a kind and sweet spirit. I enjoyed the time that God has given me to get to know her. She was a part of our Stars 2 (IMPACT)class on Wednesday nights and she was such a huge help and a big impact upon all of us that knew her. She will be missed. Even though my heart is sad, I rejoice knowing that she is healed and with Jesus.I will miss her smile, our talks and our laughs. I will continue to pray for the family. LaQuita Cobb LaQuita Cobb

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Leona was not just an employee for fourteen years, but a cherished friend and sister. There are many words that describe Leona, but loyal and trustworthy are two that come to mind. I always knew I could trust Leona as a friend. I'll miss her encouraging words and smile. My heart and prayers are with her family. Sabrina Holmes

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Faith Landmarks Ministries sends their heartfelt condolences on the loss of our dear sister, servant and friend. Her smile was so inviting and warm. She was such a woman of style and grace. We will miss Leona as we carry on in the Ministry, keeping her family in our prayers. Serving Faithfully, Faith Landmarks Ministries

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God called his angel home. We will sincerely miss her smile her grace and her love. Alex & Rachel Watts

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Family, while our hearts are broken our spirits rejoice because we know that Leona loved the Lord. Her body which is just a shell, for her loving, giving and kind spirit, may be gone but her spirit is with Christ who died to give all of us everlasting life. We are thankful for the time you served your purpose driven life on this earth and the many people you have saved, encouraged, and loved. Missing your smile. Aunt Teresa

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Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

- Scotts Funeral Home | Richmond, VA

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