Gladys Geraldine Anders

GLADYS GERALDINE "JERRY" (SHARP) ANDERS, 91, of Little Rock died Feb. 3, 2017. She was born in Little Rock Aug. 29, 1925. She is preceded in death by her parents, Thomas H. "Pete" and Gladys C. Sharp, and by her husband of 62 years, Lawrence Ray Anders. She is survived by two sons, Mike Anders and his wife Bette, and Patrick Anders, of Little Rock. She is G.G. to six grandchildren who shared the kids' table at family gatherings: Ben Anders (Candice), Logan Anders, and their mom Mika Goodman; Natalie Reynolds (Hall), Leah Samour (Rogelio), Lauren Anders, Will Anders, their mom Jane Wormald Anders, and six great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her best friend since first grade, Emily Self Dickinson, Emily's daughter, Ginger Unser, and the other members of their very special Ya Ya sisterhood. Last but never least, she is survived by her 18 year-old calico cat, Phoebe, at her side to the end. Jerry, or "Ding Ding" as her parents and school friends knew her, attended Little Rock High School where she was a 1943 graduate and a proud member of both the Tiger marching and concert bands. She loved dancing, swing music and anything acted in or sung by Nelson Eddy. Camping and water skiing were favorite activities in the 60s and countless family outings to Lake Ouachita made lasting memories for all. Our mom was a loving wife and mother, an accomplished homemaker and a green-thumb gardener. She had artistic and musical talents and enjoyed playing piano most of her life. She was a member and supporter of First Christian Church since 1955 where she enjoyed singing in the choir and where lasting friendships were formed. Her celebration of life will begin with a visitation at 11:30 a.m. and funeral service at 1 p.m. at Griffin Leggett Healey and Roth, 5800 W. 12 St., Little Rock, with burial following at Forest Hills Cemetery in Alexander, Ark. To express condolences and sign the online guestbook, visit www.griffinleggetthealeyroth.com.