“Remember me as you pass by, as you are now so was l, as I am now, so shall you be, so prepare for death and follow me.” – Author unknown

A Glimpse of Eleanor’s Life Journey

Mrs. Eleanor Perry Anderson was born on August 5, 1924, to the late Minerva Black Whatley and Columbus Perry, in Evergreen. She was the youngest of three children. She departed this life on October 20, 2025 in Newport News, Virginia.

Eleanor accepted Christ at a young age and was baptized at Salem Baptist Church in Evergreen, Louisiana. When she and her family moved to Alexandria, Louisiana, she joined and became active with Annadale Baptist Church, under the leadership of Reverend P. M. Hall.

On May 26, 1951, she married her neighbor and friend J. J. Anderson: No children were born to this union. J. J. and Eleanor decided that they needed to find better employment opportunities and, in 1953 moved to Chicago, Illinois where they lived and worked for over 37 years.

On August 1, 1990, they retired from M.S.L. Steel Industries, Inc. and moved back to Alexandria. Eleanor immediately reunited with Annadale Baptist Church that was under the leadership of Rev. Edward L. Gordon. She later became a Deaconess under Rev. Renwick Bacon, Jr, and she served in various other capacities.

Eleanor was an excellent cook. During the holidays she enjoyed baking and sharing treats with community workers, friends and family members. She would often say, “I want people to know I appreciate their services”.

When her health began to fail, she moved to Newport News, Virginia to stay with her nephew and niece, Americus and Patsy Floyd.

Eleanor was preceded in death by both parents; her stepfather Andrew Whatley; her husband J. J. Anderson; siblings, Roberta Goodman and Marie Honor Shorts; four nieces, Helena Anderson, Sandra Goodman, Carolyn Monroe and Gladys Beauregard; three nephews Robert Earl Anderson, Lamont Collins, and Reginald Beauregard.

She leaves to cherish her memories the nieces and nephews she was proud to say that she helped to raise: Ruby Gallien (Ernest) Nyack, NY; Warren Honor, Jr. (Lee) Hope Mills, NC; Helen Collins (Walter) Monroe, LA; Minerva Hobdy (Hank) Williamsburg, VA; Patsy Floyd (Americus) Newport News, VA; Eleanor Collins, Alexandria, LA; Sharon Goodman-Smith (Rick) Philadelphia, PA; John Anderson III (Rosemary), and Darlene Anderson. She also leaves to mourn a host of great nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.

“I have fought the good fight; have finished my course, have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:2