Obituaries

Elizabeth Ellen Blackmon Anderson, 76, of Sherman, passed away Friday, October 17, 2014 at Baylor Heart Hospital in Plano, allowing her to meet her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, face-to-face. Betsy was born October 13, 1938, in Sherman. She was the daughter of the late Paul and Mac Blackmon. She graduated from Sherman High School in 1957, and from Austin College in 1961. Betsy was a life-long member of First Baptist Church of Sherman, where she married Jack Anderson on June 20, 1959. Throughout her adult life, Betsy taught Sunday school classes ranging from children to youth to senior adults, most recently leading the Adult 2 class. One of Betsy's greatest passions in life was teaching. As Director of the Grayson Literacy Team, she spent the last 41 years leading efforts to teach adults how to read, to learn English as a second language, and preparing many to take the GED exam. Her work has improved the lives of hundreds of people over the last four decades, and she retired from her official position in that mission just 3 months ago. Her commitment to public service has been publically acknowledged by several local organizations during her career. Some of the awards and honors for which she was recognized include: The Sherman Ex-Students Association's Distinguished Student Award, The Sherman Business and Professional Women's Club's Community Spirit Award, The Soroptimists International of Sherman's Women Helping Women Award, and the Grayson County Social Services Association's Social Services Worker of the Year Award. A member of Delta Kappa Gamma (professional honorary society of women educators), Epsilon Sigma Alpha international leadership and service organization, and numerous other organizations, Betsy truly exemplified what it means to be a servant-leader. Betsy is preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her husband Jack, her daughter, Cindy Anderson Powell and her husband Steve of Arlington, her son, Scott Anderson and his wife Tina of Pottsboro, her son, Randy Anderson and his wife Cathy of Lubbock. She is also survived by 5 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren, and a host of incredible friends. The family will be receiving friends from 4:30-6:30 on Sunday, October 19th, at Dannel Funeral Home at 302 S. Walnut St. in Sherman. A Celebration of Life is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Monday, October 20th, at First Baptist Church of Sherman. The service will be officiated by Dr. Mike Lawson with Steve Rice assisting. Interment will follow immediately afterward in Cedarlawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages memorial contributions be made to the Preserving the Legacy Fund at First Baptist Church of Sherman (400 S. Travis St., Sherman, TX 75090).