John Henry Anderson

Sunrise; On October 7, 1943 in Calvert, Texas a baby boy was born to Ralph and Ophelia Anderson. They named him John Henry, but when presented the baby, his brother Willie said "that's my little cookie" and that name became his. The family relocated to Houston in 1946 and settled in the Heights where they united with the Second Baptist Church. Cookie was baptisted by Pastor L. P. Phillips and served dutifully in and around the church. His early education was achieved at 23rd Avenue Elementary, Harper Junior High and Booker T. Washington Sr. High School. He was drafted into the United States Army and served a tour of duty in Vietnam. November 8, 1996, Cookie was united in marriage to Margaret Rena Smith. This union produced no children, but Cookie gained three children he called his own; Sonya, Tonya and Ernest. Cookie was a great dancer. He won many dance contess and was often solicited to teach his younger siters to dance. He was a wonderful person, friend to many and a lover of children. He was the stand up comedian in the family and was often told by many between laughs 'boy, you sho' can lie." He loved to play dominos and spent time playing with his cousin and best friend Billy Williams, who preceded him in death, and with John L. "Rep" Washington, Carlton Nelson, Bobbie Nelson, Edward "Head" Sanders and many others. he will be missed by all. Sunset:Wednesday, March 18, 2015 at 4:15pm He aws preceded in death by his parents Ralph and Ophelia, brother; Ralph Jr, James "Pig", Vernoon, M.C. and Joe; sisters, Peggy, Nurlean "Nell", Helen and Lizzie. Left to cherish his memories are his wife, Rena; two sons, Albert Penwright and Ernest Smith; two daughters, Sonja Smith, LaTonya McGill and husband Rashad; five grandchildren, Jeremiah, Kaitlyn and Nehemiah McGill, and Jacoby Williams; and two great grandchildren; one brother, Willie and wife nattie; two sisters, Jean and Esther; three other children that he held close to his heart,Cheryl, Wayne, and Cedrick Gaskin; many neices, nephews and friends; one special helper and friend Rev.George Jackson.