Mrs. Annie R. Anthony

Tuesday August 8th, 1933, Leroy and Gertrude Rogers gave birth to what would become a family monument of flesh, love, and dedication to people and children. Though her parents blessed her with the name Annie Ruth Rogers, we simply knew her as "Madea." In her early years she spent her time working and playing alongside her brothers and sisters, Elbert, Jack, James, Norman, Roger Mae, Mattie Mae, and Christine. In her teen years she fell in love with Elmo Anthony of Alabama, which led to the start of her marriage and career, but not before Mr. Anthony graced her with the nickname "Annie-Ruth" that would be his term of endearment for her. Annie-Ruth went on to graduate from Stephenson High School of Toomsuba, Ms in the early 1950s. Annie-Ruth went on to become a nurse where she nurtured the lives of others. With her sweet and nurturing spirit. Annie became a member of Pleasant Grove UM Church, where she would allow her religion to grow. She swiftly began to start her own family beginning with Charles Anthony in 1950. She went on to continue her career but also growing her family by having 7 more children, Evelyn Ruth, Sandra, Patsy, Elmore Clyde, Gail Ruth, Elton and Barbara. With her own family and children to care for, she gained the name that incompasses respect and admiration, "Mother Dear" as most of us southerners refer to as simply, "Madea." With the name Madea, she took her place in the family seriously. Making sure that she could provide for her children, she set out to educate herself in the field of Health Nutrition. During her time in becoming a Nutritionist, she became a member of one of the first Fraternity/Sorority's for Negroes, Heron or Jericho-Royal Arch Masons. Madea not only found it imperative to educate herself, but she found it important to dedicate her time by being a nutritionist to multiple businesses and hospitals to those in the surrounding counties of Toomsuba, Ms. Knowing that she wanted to be a great support system for her family, she served as a head cook for Mid Continent Truck Stop as well. Madea went on to see her children grow their own families and she served as a phenomenal example of hard work, love, and dedication for them. It was not until the late 90s that she began to have serious health complications that hindered her from working. Some would have let sick-ness slow them down ... but she did not. She kept momentum by switching her focus. She went on to assist in raising grandchildren, putting them through college and seeing them through their successes. In addition to raising her grandchildren, she found it imperative to spread love to others with that southern upbeat personality of hers, being known for her long wavy hair, and last but certainly not least, her beautiful garden. Her garden became one of her most admired hobbies as she grew older. Spending time bonding with grand kids, getting them to assist her with planting flowers, clipping, potting, and merely just having time to clear her mind and teach children self-discipline about hard work and dedication. That hardwork and dedication helped her fight a number of illnesses that would only hinder her mobility. In the few years leading up to, Madea had a surprisingly positive outlook on life in spite of losing her daughter, Sandra Reneice Anthony on June 13, 2014. When you've lived a fruitful life, dedicating your time and interest in others, one looks forward to becoming an angel in heaven, not just an angel here on earth. Through all of her triumphs here on earth, God himself requested her presence on July 18, 2016. ·

Mrs. Annie R. Anthony

August 8, 1933 - July 18, 2016