Cecelia Y. Anderson

Cecelia Yvonne Anderson, 88, of South Chesterfield, VA, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 14, 2022.

Cecelia was born on January 13, 1934, to Rosa & Ottoway Charity in Charles City, VA. After Cecelia graduated from Ruthville High School, she went on to work at David M. Lea Manufacturing Company in Richmond, VA.

After relocating to New Jersey to live with her sisters, first with Clarice and then with Evelyn, Cecelia started her nursing career in 1958 enrolling in Overbrook Nursing School where she graduated in 1959 with a Licensed Practical Nurse diploma. She worked at Overbrook Hospital for 42 years. In addition, she worked as a private duty nurse until her eventual retirement in 2000.

In 1955, Cecelia married Haywood Lee Anderson and settled in East Orange, NJ where they raised two children, Robin and Haywood, Jr. She worked tirelessly as a strong matriarch giving her time, wisdom, and loving care to all members of her family.

Cecelia volunteered at her church, New Hope Baptist, as a missionary and also in her community working to make it a better place to reside. In the 1970s, she became politically active, campaigning and winning an elected position in the East Orange Model City effort. Additionally, in 2007, Cecelia worked on Senator Barrack Obama's political campaign locally, registering potential voters. Due to her successful registration efforts, she received an invitation to the 2008 Presidential Inauguration.

Cecelia was predeceased by her husband, Haywood, Sr.; by her mother and father, Rosa and Ottoway; sisters, Evelyn, Susan, Violet, Connie, Clarice, and Ann; brothers, Howard, Walton, Hillie, and Daniel. She is survived by her daughter and son, Robin and Haywood, Jr; niece, Valerie; nephews Philip, Maurice, and Billy and a host of other nieces and nephews, many close relatives, and friends.

Services will be a graveside ceremony held at Gilfield Baptist Church Cemetery, 6640 Church Ln, Charles City, VA 23030, on September 24, 2022, at 1:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations are made to St. Jude's Children's Cancer Research Hospital (www.stjude.org/donate)in honor of Cecelia, an organization she felt strongly about.

Arrangements are being handled by Wilson & Associates' Funeral Service - East Chapel, 5008 Nine Mile Rd., Richmond, VA.