Diane McCarty Anderson

DIANE MCCARTY ANDERSON, 73, of Sherwood passed away Tuesday, May 3 from complications following a stroke. She was born Diane Katherine Norine McCarty to Walter and Betty McCarty on Aug. 25, 1942 in Helena, Ark. Diane enjoyed a wonderful, active childhood in Helena along with her siblings Alan, Beb, Dalt and Mary. She attended Helena Central High School where she was a cheerleader and Homecoming Queen. Diane then obtained a degree in Education from the University of Arkansas, where she was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority. While in college, Diane married her high school sweetheart and love of her life, Doug Anderson. Upon Doug's graduation from Law School, the couple moved home to Helena with their young children, Rick and Stefanie. Diane taught Kindergarten for many years at St. John's Episcopal Church where she was a devoted, active member. Later she was an owner of the Gumdrop Tree, a children's clothing store. Diane and Doug moved from Helena in 1984 and lived the remainder of their lives in Sherwood, where they were closer to their children and grandchildren. Diane was a devoted, loving, selfless, wife, mother and grandmother, remembered by all for her eternal kindness. She had a strong Christian faith and proudly served as pianist for many years at The Good Shepard Episcopal Church. Diane was preceded in death by her parents, Walter McCarty Sr. and Betty McCarty; her husband, Doug Anderson as well as her brother, Alan McCarty; brother, Walter McCarty Jr. (Dalt) and sister, Betty (Beb) Phillips. She is survived by her son, Rick Anderson and wife, Leigh of Conway; her daughter, Stefanie Brandon and husband, Bill of Fayetteville; sister, Mary Allen and husband, Rick of Sherwood; sister-in-law, Cindy McCarty of Stuttgart, grandchildren, Leslie (Drew) Dolan of Conway, Ellen (Rick) Hutchinson of Conway, Cole Anderson of Conway, Ross Brandon of Austin, Texas, and Carter Brandon of Fayetteville and one great-grandchild Hannah Dolan of Conway. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews. A graveside serviced will be held Saturday, May 14 at 2 p.m. at Maple Hill Cemetery in Helena. Memorials may be made to the The Good Shepard Episcopal Church, 2701 S. Elm St.; Little Rock, Ark. 72204. To sign the online guest book please visit www.nelsonberna.com.