Vernelle Caroline Anderson

Vernelle Caroline Anderson, aged 95, passed away peacefully on July 23, 2025, in McLeansville, North Carolina. On June 24, 1930, in Albemarle, North Carolina, Vernelle was born an only child to Goldia & Cicero Chandler on a rainy Tuesday morning. Her bright red hair earned her the nickname “Rusty” from the multitude of aunts, uncles, and cousins who helped raise her in Stanly County. Vernelle lived a life filled with love, kindness, patience, and quiet unwavering strength. She deeply devoted her life to her family, raising two children, helping to care for her husband, mother, and grandchildren with endless warmth, wisdom, and wit.

She was married to James Otis Anderson for over 45 years, and together they built a life centered around faithfulness, hard work, and community. Graduating from New Hanover High School in 1948, Vernelle dedicated more than 40 years as secretary of Cape Fear Presbyterian Church, where she lovingly shared her gift for caring with generations of congregants. She also served as a Deacon, Sunday School teacher, pianist, choir member, Girl Scout leader, and countless other roles over the years.

Outside of work, ‘Nelle loved gardening, traveling, holidays, taking walks around her neighborhood, sitting under the Magnolia with her “sister” Deen, and cooking for her family and friends. Her legacy will be one in which she touched countless lives with her generosity, gentle spirit, and whimsical one-liners.

Vernelle was preceded in death by her beloved husband Otis, and son-in-law Mike Shroyer. She is survived by her children: Jim (Susan) Anderson, and Debra Shroyer; her two grandchildren Callie Anderson and Linden (Melanie) Shroyer; and one great-granddaughter, Makayla.

A celebration of her life will be held at Cape Fear Presbyterian Church on August 22 at 11:00am.

Her hands may have been small, but they were mighty and held our whole world together. She will be deeply missed.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be given to Cape Fear Presbyterian Church in her memory, 2606 Newkirk Avenue, Wilmington, NC 28412, capefearpres.org