Mertha Anderson

Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

John 8:31–32

The life of Mertha Lee Anderson was nothing less than a glorious legacy that resolved that Truth would direct her time here on earth and her eternal destiny.

She was born to Lucille Langley Williams and Julius Staten, Sr., on February 28, 1921, in Rosebud, Texas.  She received Jesus Christ as her personal Savior at the age of 8 and in July of 1929, she was baptized in a “stock tank” at the Morning Star Baptist Church.

She and Reverend Nathaniel Anderson, Jr. were married in October 1936 and to this union 12 children were born. They moved to Camp Hood (Fort Hood) in 1953.  They were charter members of Marlboro Heights Missionary Baptist Church under the pastoral leadership of the late Reverend Dr. R.A. Abercrombie in 1958.

As wise woman of the Spirit, she was selected to serve as a Deaconess in the church.  Through her service in the Women’s Mission, she was a mentor in the lives of many women.   She also served in the Culinary Ministry of the church.

Mertha Lee’s testimony was always supported by the way she lived her life.  Her family and friends knew her to be committed, caring, compassionate, and generous. Cooking was her specialty—she prepared her children three squares and dessert every day!  Whenever one of her children or even grandchildren had a new addition to their family—she was there—no phone call needed and for as long as needed.

Her home was open to everyone—whether it was a hot Sunday meal or a place to stay—no matter how long or how many.  She would always give you her all—without any reservation. If you needed it, and she had it, it was yours, even if it was her last.

She loved, loved, loved to travel—you just say when and what time, and she would be up sitting "in the front room" with her bags packed and waiting for you.

Mertha Lee never met a stranger, and once you met her, you were captivated by her infectious joy for life and love of laughter such that you did not want to leave. As a result, many who met her also fondly called her "Mother or Mother Dear."

Helping others to do better and be better was her passion. She had a knack for imparting wisdom; regardless of the subject matter, she always told you the "truth”.  She'd make you think that you are just helping her with the daily chores, but all the while, she would engage you in an orchestrated conversation where she would impart simple life lessons.

Mertha Lee loved to pass down stories from "back in the day," and there were a lot. She could captivate audiences, young and old, and have them crying from laughing so hard, no matter how many times they heard the same story.

She led by example in her walk with Christ. If church was in service—she was there, as her health declined, she would watch it on TV and read her Bible, and when she could no longer do that, her family would sing hymns with her or call her daily to read the Word and to pray with her—because she first took the time to teach them about THE man named Jesus.

A life well-lived and well-loved our dear Mother Dear and Aunt Mertha Lee—you are now singing and dancing with the heavenly angels above. Holy-Holy-Holy!

Among those who preceded her transition to Glory are her parents, Lucille Langley Williams and Julius Staten, Sr.; husband, Nathaniel Anderson, Jr.; children, Mildred DeBose (Rev. Hubert Sr.-deceased), Jesse Anderson (Lourdes), and Bevelyn Daniel; siblings, Richard Smiley, Eula Mae Judie-Peterson, Tom Jones, Louis (LV) Jones, Thelma Jones, Robert Hewitt (RH) Jones, Marjorie Bernice Jones-Smith, Aubrey Gene (Porter) Jones, Omazelle Taylor, Juliuett McKellum, Wynona Hoyle, Lillie Mitchell, Jim L. Staten, Lawris Staten, Frank Staten, and Arbry Staten.

Among those who remain to cherish the her life and Godly legacy, while anticipating the Family Reunion at the return of our Lord  are her children,  Cecil Anderson, Sr. of Georgia, Ardella Nesbit (Rev. Arthur-deceased) of Texas; Doris Litsey of Texas; Oscar Anderson (Salome) of Illinois; Donald Gene Anderson, Sr. (Debbie) of Hawaii; Carolyn Bosier (Harry, Sr-deceased) of Texas; Barbara Merriwether (John Sr.-deceased) of Texas; Charlotte Anderson of Texas; and Sylvia Grimes (David) of Texas; two brothers, Julius Staten (Thelma) and Harvey Staten; 3 daughters-in-love, 58 grandchildren, 61 great-grandchildren, and 52 great-great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews (including great, and great-great), and friends.