Rachel Yvonne Forsythe Anderson, 86, of Cordova, TN passed away Thursday, May 12th 2022 @ Methodist hospital, Germantown. Rachel was born on February 8th, 1936, in McNairy County TN, a community of Acton, TN. She was delivered at home by her maternal grandmother, Nora Belle Utley Coln and assisted by her grandfather, William Robert (W.R.) Coln. Rachel was the daughter of John Arch Forsythe who lost his life when his ship (USS Gambier Bay) sunk by enemy fire in WW II and Frances Evelyn Coln Forsythe. Rachel’s mother was left to raise four children alone. She passed at the age of 95 in 2004.
Rachel graduated from Ramer High School in 1954 and Memphis School of Commerce in 1955 and was employed with International Harvester (Navistar) for over 30 years serving in many capacities. Retiring as the executive secretary to the plant manager. She was on the team to close out the Memphis plant in 1985.Rachel married Henry Clay Anderson on a Sunday afternoon, November 24, 1984. They were married for 30 years until he passed away in 2014. They had no children. H.C. purchased an RV shortly after they were married and they travelled the US making all the states including Alaska, Canada & Mexico. They also travelled to Japan, China, Macau & European cities. They settled in Florida for 5 years before ill health overtook HC, then returned to Memphis. Rachel enjoyed reading historical novels, oil painting & crossword puzzles. And her beloved cats – one at a time. She enjoyed getting to know others & always open to listen to you if you had a story to tell or needed a shoulder.
She was proceeded in death by her three brothers, John Arch Forsythe, Jr. (Emma Gene), Robert Eugene Forsythe (Peggy), & Charles Kenneth Forsythe (Barbara). She was also proceeded in death by one niece, Laura Ellen Forsythe.
Rachel is survived by 10 nieces & nephews; Janice Lynn Hartley; Patricia Dianne Dahlke (who cared for her, giving emotionally and financial advice); Robert Eugene Forsythe Jr.; Virginia Leigh Livingston; Sandra Kaye Massey; Ruth Ann Dix; Charles Kenneth Forsythe Jr.; Kimberly Danielle Tribo; John Logan Forsythe; & Anthony Patrick Forsythe. She also leaves many other cousins & relatives whom she loved dearly.
The family will receive friends on Friday, May 20, 2022 from 9:00am until 9:30am at Family Funeral Care, 4925 Summer Avenue, Memphis, TN 38122. A graveside service will be held immediately following the visitation at 10:00am, Memphis Memory Gardens, 6444 Raleigh Lagrange Rd., Memphis, TN 38134.
If you do not wish to send flowers, donations are preferred to St Jude’s Children’s Hospital in her memory @ stjude.org/donate
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.FamilyFuneralMemphis.com for the Anderson family.
