Grace Marie Anderson was born August 1, 1933 in Americus, Georgia to the late Gustavus Adolphus and Gracie Miriam (McMath) Anderson. She died June 9, 2026 at Siler City Center, Siler City, North Carolina. The fifth of six children, Marie was preceded in death by all of her siblings: Gustavus Adolphus Anderson, Jr., Emily Anderson Gilstrap, Mary Ann Anderson, William Fillmore “Bill” Anderson, and Robert Neil Anderson, and by her nephew-in-law Kenneth Garrison.

Marie is survived by six nieces and nephews, their spouses, children, and grandchildren: Dr. John Anderson (Cheng), Trey Gilstrap (Gayle), Nancy Gilstrap Mann (Kelly), Jennifer Anderson Purvis (Richard), Karen Anderson Holcomb (Bron), and Mary Anderson Garrison.

Our Aunt Marie was a gifted artist who worked in advertising, illustrated several Andersonville history books with her pen and ink drawings, and enjoyed painting watercolors of both pets and animals in general until arthritis stopped her from creating art. As a young girl Marie worked with her father in his flower shop which created a lifelong interest in flowers and gardening. Marie loved fresh produce from her own garden above all the many favorite foods she had - except maybe a trip to Dairy Queen for a soft-serve ice cream. Marie was a lifelong member of Central Baptist Church in Americus and also loved, and was loved by, her church family at First Baptist Church in Barnesville, Georgia. Eccentric, witty, and one-of-a-kind, our Aunt Marie was also a gracious soul and gathered friends wherever she lived.

We are grateful to the kind and attentive staff at both Heritage Inn in Barnesville, Georgia and at Siler City Center for their loving care of our Aunt Marie. We are grateful too that she is now home with her Savior Jesus, healed and whole in his loving care.

Graveside service will be held at Oak Grove Cemetery, Americus, GA, Tuesday, June 23, 11AM. In lieu of flowers and in honor of Marie’s lifelong love of animals, please make a donation to the Happy Hills Animal Foundation: http://www.hhaf.org

Smith & Buckner Funeral Home will be assisting the Anderson family.

Online condolences can be made at www.smithbucknerfh.com