Ralph Roosevelt Anderson, Sr.

RALPH ROOSEVELT ANDERSON, SR., was the last living sibling of 13 boys and 2 girls from the union of the late John Anderson and Ella Wright Anderson. He was born and raised with his loving family in Emporia, Virginia. His love and dedication to his faith began at Little Shiloh Baptist Church. Ralph attended Greensville County Public Schools and was an active member in the church and in the community. Like most successful young men, he knew he needed a strong support partner, so he married the love of his life; Mary Ruth Turner on September 6, 1953. Ralph then moved to Richmond, Virginia, where he was blessed to begin a career with Philip Morris and was a dedicated employee until his retirement. Ralph and Mary were blessed with four children; Marie, Ralph, Jr., Alvin and Sheryl. Coming from a family of singers, Ralph and his brothers were known for striking up a melody at any time. His love for music continued into his adult life and when returned to Emporia, Virginia he became involved again in his home church, Little Shiloh and remained a member of the choir to continue working for the Lord through his love for music. He was a member of the Gospel Teers and Big Boys of Gospel. Knowing how he could fill the soul with his voice, Ralph was often requested to sing solos for different events. Along with his love for his church, he also genuinely loved people. There was no favor or request that was too big or small for him to try to fulfill. His love for people led him to become a member of the Masons. Ralph was a devoted husband to his wife Mary, a father of endless love and support to his children and grandchildren, a caring family man and a faithful friend. Celebrating the life of Ralph is his wife of 61 years, his daughter; Marie Anderson of Emporia, VA, his son; Ralph Anderson, Jr.,(Antoinette) of Courtland, VA, his daughter-in-law; Shirley who is the wife of his late son, Alvin Anderson of Emporia, VA, his daughter; Sheryl Faison (Morgan) of Chester, VA, his eleven wonderful grandchildren; Taniesha, Sheree, Kimberly, Louis, Anitra, Jermaine, Andrew, Tiffany, Brittany, Ralph III and Madison, ten precious great-grandchildren, his three sisters-in-law; Novella Fields of Emporia, VA, Gervine Anderson of Baltimore, MD and Delores Turner of Los Angeles, CA, four brothers-in-law; Esau Turner of Albany, NY, James Turner (Linda) of Emporia, VA, Samuel Turner (Joyce) of Richmond, VA and Hosea Turner of Emporia, VA and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends whose lives he has touched and left a lasting memory.

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