Irlet Brumfield Anderson was born on April 11, 1948, in Miami, FL to Doris Burney and George Jackson. She lived for a short time in South Bend, Indiana but was raised in Coconut Grove, FL with her two brothers, Billy Brumfield, and the late Robert Lee Johnson (“RL”).
Irlet attended George Washington Carver High school in Coconut Grove, FL, where she was an outstanding student and dedicated cheerleader. She was well-liked by her peers and graduated at the top of her class, giving the graduation commencement speech. While at Carver high school, she met and later married the love of her life, Perry L. Anderson Jr. and raised their beautiful daughter, Shalon.
Irlet began her career as a Certified Operating Room Technician at Jackson Memorial Hospital. After four years she decided to pursue another career and obtained an Associate of Science degree from Miami-Dade Community College graduating with honors. After obtaining certification as a Court Stenographer, she served in the court system at the District, Circuit and Federal levels throughout Miami-Dade and Broward counties.
After many years of diligent service, Irlet retired from court stenography and moved to Cambridge, Massachusetts to support her husband’s new career as its first black Police Commissioner. Perry credits all his successes to “his loving wife’s support and encouragement.” While living in Cambridge, Irlet continued to further her education and perfect her writing skills. Irlet was also a passionate humanitarian. She served as President of the Cambridge Community Center and was Commissioner of the Human Rights Council.
In 1992, she established the “Irlet Anderson Scholarship” which awards funds annually to the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (N.O.B.L.E). Through her scholarships, which continue to this day, she has provided thousands of dollars to students pursuing degrees in Criminal Justice.
In 1994, Irlet and Perry moved back home to Florida to dote on their first grandchild, Erika. Irlet continued using her gifts and talents to better her community, serving for a while on the Weston Community Board of Directors. She was also a faithful member of Mount Zion A.M.E. Church in Miami Gardens for 15 years, where her son-in-law Rogery serves as pastor. Irlet served on the Board of Trustees, was a member of the Hester Anderson, Ella Rolle (H.A.E.R.) Women’s Missionary Society, the Ingram Legacy Scholarship Committee, and Operation S.A.V.I.O.R. (Stand Against Violence, It’s Our Responsibility).
One of Irlet’s favorite hobbies was gardening. She had a phenomenal green thumb. She enjoyed writing poetry, was a published poet and author, and a Distinguished Member of the International Society of Poets. Irlet also enjoyed interior decorating and creating delicious meals and desserts. She loved spending quality time with her family, neighbors, and friends and really enjoyed spoiling her three grandchildren. Irlet loved people and people loved her. She dedicated her life to helping others and was extremely generous, never missing an opportunity to serve her family and anyone in need. She was known for her bright personality, candid opinions, and her kind, giving spirit.
After surviving several bouts with cancer and putting up a remarkable fight, Irlet was called home on September 28, 2022. Her soul ascended peacefully into the hands of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ while surrounded by her beloved family. She is survived by her loving and devoted husband Perry L. Anderson, Jr., daughter Shalon M. Adams (Rogery), siblings Billy Brumfield (Rosie) and Julie Harris (Ervin), sister-in-law Rev. Elaine Jessup, aunts Rev. Barbara Williams and Lenora Jonakin, grandchildren Erika Virgo (Julian), Brendan Adams and Breylan Adams, great granddaughter Ava Virgo, and her beloved godchildren Emmett Richburg Jr., Melissa Fennell, I’esha Felton, Chante Oats and Matthew Pinchevsky, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
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Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.forestlawnsouth.com for the Anderson family.
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