Gertrude "Gertie" Marie Anderson, age 89, of Leesburg, passed away at her home on Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2021 surrounded by her loving family. Gertrude was a native of Jasper, born on Nov. 17, 1931 to the late Perry and Belle Larkins Strickland. Gertie was born during hard times and she and her sister Sybil went to work in the 1940's as phone operators. The "Strickland Sisters" could be counted on to get you connected to whoever it was you needed to talk to. She married Samuel C. Anderson and the two were blessed with three sons. Jobs took Sam and Gertie to the Orlando area and she didn't let any grass grow under her feet. Gertie worked for two different dentists while there. Never one to sit idle, she owned and operated her own daycare center and she found time in her 89 years to do survey work for the Florida Department of Agriculture. She accomplished so much with the love of her life at her side and her three sons that made a beautiful life complete. Grandchildren blessed their home and she was ever so proud of them and their accomplishments. Sam and Gertie returned to Jasper for a time. Some will remember her from the days she worked for Dr. Wade Norris Dentistry. They were active members at First Baptist Church before their health declined and they decided to return South to be closer to their sons and grandchildren. Gertrude was preceded in death by her son, Duane Robert Anderson and joined him in heaven for a glad reunion day on Wednesday. Survivors include her husband, Samuel C. Anderson, Sr.; sons, Samuel C. Anderson, Jr. and his wife Donna and Mitchell Keith Anderson and his wife Tanya; her beloved sister, Sybil Strickland Hinton; five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Graveside services were held on Friday, Jan. 29, at Evergreen Cemetery in Jasper, with Pastor Roger Hutto officiating. Harry T. Reid Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
