Obituaries – Their Stories Live On

Mrs. Mary Ann Higginbotham Anderson, 94, of Beckley, WV, formerly of Columbus, OH departed this life Tuesday, April 4, 2023, following a long illness.

Mary Ann or "Minnie", as she was affectionately known by her loved ones, was born to the late James Arthur O and Ruth E. Higginbotham, September 17, 1928, in Tazewell, VA. Mary Ann, in addition to her parents, was preceded in death by her husband, James “Jim” Anderson; siblings, James "Jimmy" Higginbotham (Mallie), Newel Ruth McCoy (James), George Alexander Higginbotham, and Margaret "Libby" Saunders and brother-in-law, Rev. Robert I. Brown.

Mary Ann, from an early age, accepted Christ as her Savior and joined the Wilbur Memorial United Methodist Church in Tazewell, Va. Mary Ann attended and graduated from the Tazewell County Public School system and went on to attend Bluefield State College where she joined Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc in 1956 and graduated in 1958 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education. Following graduation, Mary Ann moved to Columbus, OH, where she resided for over 50 years. Mary Ann worked with the Columbus Recreational Department and retired as an educator from the Columbus City Schools. While teaching,
Mary Ann joined and was actively involved in the Columbus Education Association, National Education Association, and Beta Lambda Mu Professional Educators Sorority. Mary Ann was also an Active member of the Columbus Alumni Chapter of Bluefield State College, the Bluefieldians, and remained an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc and is recognized as a Pearl member for over 67 years of faithful membership.

Mary Ann was an active and faithful member of Shepherd United Methodist Church and later Asbury United Methodist Church.

During her time in Columbus, Mary Ann met and married the late James “Jim” Anderson of Beckley, WV. Mary Ann became a loving aunt to Jim’s nieces and nephews, including Debra Holloway, Jennifer, and Eddie Anderson.

Mary Ann was a loving and generous sister, aunt, cousin, and friend. If there was ever a need, she was first to extend a helping hand. Her generosity has helped many achieve life goals and accomplishments.

Mary Ann loved to get her nails done, decorate for each holiday, macrame, and spend time with family and friends.

Mary Ann also leaves to cherish her memory her sisters, Sheilah Brown of Beckley, WV and Jeanette (Earl) Bryant of Detroit, MI.

Mary Ann, “Minnie” was a loving aunt and second mother to her nieces and nephews, David, Michelle, Robey, Lee, George “Hito”, Angie, and Chris. Mary Ann also leaves a host of cousins, great nieces, nephews, and friends. Special lifelong friend was Mrs. Kay Francis M. Hairston and her daughter, Mary Ann's goddaughter.

Funeral service will be 11:00AM Wednesday April 12, 2023 at the Ritchie & Johnson Funeral Parlor Chapel 748 S. Fayette St. Beckley with Pastor Franklin Hairston officiating. Burial will be in Maplewood Cemetery, Tazwell, VA. The AKA ceremony will begin at 10:30AM.

Email condolences to ritchiejohnsonfuneralparlor@gmail.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Ritchie & Johnson Funeral Parlor, Beckley.