Shirley (Williams) Anders passed into God's Kingdom on April 20, 2022 with family by her side. She was born to Willie and Mallie Williams (Porter) and grew up in Cripple Creek, Virginia. Her father passed away when she was young and she and her four sisters were raised by a hard working mother who taught them strong values and the joy of the simple things in life. She met Ted Anders when both were teenagers and they embarked on a journey of marriage, ministry and service that remained joyous for their 66 years together.



The joy of Shirley's life was spending time with her family, friends and Church members especially her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She had many jobs and roles over the years, but none with more significance to her than being a pastor's wife and partner for over 6 decades of ministry in southwest Virginia. She enjoyed celebrating happy occasions with laughter and joy and she provided genuine empathy, prayer and support to many in times of loss or struggles.



Many of the most memorable and rewarding events and times in Shirley's life were linked with the creation, preparation and serving of wonderful dishes and meals. She felt blessed to share what she had at family gatherings, church events, homecomings, to people and families experiencing challenges and with people who were just visiting her home.

Shirley was a kind and gentle spirit with an unwavering faith who taught her family the importance of counting blessings and being thankful even for the little things. She exemplified the teaching of Jesus that It is more blessed to give than to receive. She loved giving small gifts to her family especially the children and she enjoyed sharing with friends and neighbors especially in a time of need.


Shirley Anders will be missed, but her influence and legacy will live on through her family and the many people she inspired during her lifetime. She fought a good fight, finished her course and kept the faith and she will be blessed by the words "well done good and faithful servant".

In addition to her parents, Shirley was preceded in death by two sisters, Glenna Henley and Darlene Anders.

Shirley is survived by her husband, Reverend Ted Anders; children, Rick and Joyce Anders of Bland, Deborah and Greg Armstrong of Marion, VA, Tim and Tabby Anders of Des Moines, Iowa; grandchildren, Brandon and Amy Anders, Kayla Anders Burke, Josh Breedlove, Zach and Lindsey Breedlove, Landrey and Laythan Anders; great-grandchildren, Jase Anders, Brady Anders, Paisley Burke, Emma, Layla and Nora Breedlove; sisters, Eva Crockett and Frances Yonce, both of Cripple Creek, VA.

Funeral services will be held at 5:00 p.m. Sunday, April 24, 2022 at the Bland Funeral Chapel with the Reverend Kenneth Fields and Reverend Aubrey Whitlow officiating. The family will receive friends Sunday from 3:00 p.m. until service time at the funeral home.

Interment will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, April 25th in Morning Star Cemetery.

The family extended a special thanks to Wythe Hospice of Southwest Virginia for the special care given to Mrs. Anders.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.highlandfuneralservice.com.

Bland Funeral Chapel is serving the Anders family.