Marian Olivia Goodman-Anderson

This is a celebration of the life and legacy of Marian Olivia Goodman Anderson, our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great grandmother, sister, aunt, neighbor, and friend.

On Thursday, November 14, 2024 at 6:46 a.m. God’s heavenly angel descended upon our home and Mom answered the Master’s call. She transitioned from her earthly labor to eternal reward surrounded by her loving family. Marian Olivia was born on April 26, 1932 to the late Alvin Lee and Ophelia B. Goodman.

Marian was a lifetime native of Suffolk formerly Nansemond County. At an early age, Marian’s religious foundation was established at Sweet Beulah Apostolic Church, under the leadership of Pastor Jackson.

On June 18, 1950, while attending a service with her sister, Mary and best friend, Pearline Bynum at St. Paul’s Baptist Church in the Boston section of the city she met a young man by the name of Robert Lee Anderson. This was the beginning of a life-changing event as the two were united in holy matrimony on March 5, 1954. She joined with her husband in membership at Pleasant Union Baptist Church, under the pastorate of Rev. J.R.R. McCray. Unto this blessed union, 13 children were born. 

Marian was educated in the Nansemond County Public School System. She Graduated with Honors from East Suffolk Nursing School Program as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). During her earthly labor, Marian was a Waitress and a Short Order Cook at Jimmy Melito's "The Hot Dog King" in Suffolk, VA as a teenager. She sung Lead in a Gospel Quartet with her sisters and family at an early age. Later she was employed at Suffolk Presbyterian church as a day care worker. Marian was a devoted housewife as well as organizer, mentor and encourager to many, all while raising her own children. She loved to work with children and the elderly. She was an excellent cook, cake baker, and Homemaker. A True Virtuous Woman Indeed (Proverbs 31:10-31).

Marian had a green thumb and could be found in her spare time working in her garden tending vegetables, fruit trees, rose bushes and other flowers. She loved to read, collect, and order all kinds of books and magazines as a young child, up to her very end. 

She was a faithful student in the Berean’s (Analytical) Bible Study established November 14, 2014 by her son, Ronnie C. Anderson. She was especially proud to be in study with her family, Regenia, Mary V, Sandra, Derrick, Aliz`e, Ja`maurin, Ja`maury, Aniya and Zameerra.

She was predeceased by her husband, Robert Lee; infant son, Ralph Alphonso, oldest son, Jerry Lee, oldest daughter, Judith Diane; daughter-in-love, Catherine; grandson, Jim “Sonny”; parents, Alvin Lee and Ophelia B. Goodman; sisters Virginia Warren, Catherine Whittington, Mary Oliphant; 6 sisters-in-love, including her special friend, Eunice Goodman; the Goodman brothers: Hugh, Raymond, Alvin, Jr., and James Thomas; 8 brothers-in-love; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

THE LEGACY

Cherishing her memory are: 5 daughters, Regenia Anderson; Mary V. Anderson; Sandra Anderson; Marian Coats of Suffolk; April Anderson (Chesapeake); 5 sons, Robert “Tim” Anderson, Jr.; Ronnie Anderson, Sr. and wife, Felecia; Ricardo Anderson, Sr; Mark “Chris” Anderson, Sr. and wife, Blanche; Anthony “Wayne” Anderson, Sr.; 3 sisters, Evelyn Brown of Wichita Falls, TX, Bishop Paige Pringle, Patricia Brown, Linda Wright of Suffolk; 1 brother, Bobby Goodman, Sr., and wife, Cassandra of Chesapeake; 1 daughter-in-love, Betty Goodman of Suffolk: 2 sisters-in-love, Laura Goodman of Suffolk and Christy Goodman of Long Island, NY. Continuing the Anderson Legacy are 34 Grandchildren:

 (38) Great-grandchildren;

11 Great-Great grandchildren 

Marian also leaves to cherish her memories, special nephew, Hugh “Butch” Goodman, special friends Beverly Marion, Paulette Goodwin, a host of other nieces, nephews, and cousins the friends and neighbors of the Hollywood Community where she has resided for the last 58 years. 

MY PARTING WORDS TO MOM

Mommy, I know that 92 years old is a very long time, BUT I still say that you are “Gone Too Soon” I was looking forward to seeing so much more from you here on GOD'S Green Earth. Especially when it came back to cooking in the kitchen and tasting my new Donut Recipes. I'm going to miss having those good long conversations with you that lasts for hours, day and night whether by telephone or in person. No one could ever take your place for being who you are mommy. So, I'll let you rest on in the Lord and enjoy that glorious party with God, JESUS, the Holy Ghost, the Heavenly Hosts, with Daddy, and your Family and Friends. I heard that a Holy Ghost Party don't ever stop so keep singing and dancing until we meet again Marian Goodman Anderson. Thanks for being my mother, and for Having ME Too! I will always love "YOU" MoM. From April Doll Anderson.

A viewing will be held 4-7 p.m. Thursday, November 21, 2024 at Crocker Funeral Home. A celebration of life will be held noon, Friday, November 22, 2024 at Union Missionary Baptist, Nansemond Parkway. She will be laid to rest in Carver Memorial Cemetery. Professional services with dignity have been entrusted to Crocker Funeral Home, Inc.