The matriarch of the Anderson family of Knoxville has passed away at age 89.
Edna Johnson Anderson Underwood died November 21, 2022. She was a graduate of Austin High School, Class of 1951, and she retired from Standard Knitting Mill after 24 years of service.
Mrs. Underwood was preceded in death by husbands William Anderson Jr. and Herbert Underwood Sr., also by sons James and Wendell Anderson.
Family will receive friends, today (11/28/22) 1-2 p.m. at Greater Warner Tabernacle AME Zion Church, 3800 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., with the funeral service at 2 p.m.
A faithful member of Oak Grove AME Zion Church, she served as church treasurer for over 45 years and was a loyal member of the choir for 74 years. Her noted quote about the choir is, “I’d rather have three who are willing to serve than to have 10 who don’t want to be there.”
Survivors include her son, Sam Anderson, who held several leadership roles with the city of Knoxville and was a longtime chair of the Knox County school board. His wife is Jean. Others include daughter, Kimalishea Anderson; sons William II (Paula), John (Anna) and Daniel Sr. (Talisha) Anderson; step daughter, Janice Malone; 25 grandchildren; 42 great grandchildren; and many others. The full obituary is here.