Vivian Anderson

Vivian Anderson was born in Atlanta, Ga. in 1930. She was the only child of Mary and Willie Frank Cheeks. After graduating Booker T. Washington H.S., she met and married John Calvin Leonard with whom she had two children, Ann and Calvin. Unfortunately that marriage ended and she moved her family to Detroit, Mi.

Always a studious person, Vivian was eager to educate herself further. She graduated number one in her class from Detroit Practical Nursing Center and became a licensed practical nurse (LPN). Her thirst for knowledge didn’t end there, so throughout much of her life she took college level courses that either prepared her for her many endeavors or just gave her more knowledge.

Although nursing and caring for others was her passion, she eventually sought other careers to utilize her skills: co-owner of Little Angels Nursery; a licensed representative for AL Williams; American Red Cross Volunteer; New Calvary Church nurse volunteer and a member of the NAACP.

After settling in Detroit Vivian met and married Alonzo Anderson. They shared 47 years together. They enjoyed entertaining their many friends in their home whether it was a cookout, some sort of celebration or just playing cards. They were a fun couple.

During her marriage to Alonzo, her creative talent emerged. Vivian wrote prose and has read them at Wayne State Institute of Gerontology. Two of her most well known pieces are "Alonzo" and "Embrace the Dawn". "Alonzo" as would be expected is dedicated to her love. "Embrace the Dawn" is about that love. Vivian had great faith and even when her mind was being attacked by Alzheimer’s she wrote about her faith in God and asked for God’s guidance. Her heart remained pure and loving till the end.

Many mourn her loss, but especially her children Ann Prewitt, Calvin Leonard (Gail); grandchildren Danyale Sanders, Leo Anthony Prewitt (Gabrielle), John Calvin Prewitt (Karla), Terrence Prewitt, Bryant A Leonard (Carilla); great grandchildren Merrell Sanders, Cierra Sanders, Aria Sanders, Darren Sanders, Destiny Prewitt-Wells, Jokobe Prewitt, Bryant Avery Leonard, Braxton August Leonard, Liyah Prewitt, Rio Prewitt; great-great grandchildren Brailen Simpson, Aiyah Sanders, Ca’marie Sanders, Avmarie Sanders, Cari Sanders.

She was preceded in death by her parents Mary Copeland Ford and Willie Frank Cheeks; her step father Eugene Ford; her loving husband Alonzo Anderson; grandson Eric Prewitt.