Barbara Schrader Anderson

Barbara Schrader Anderson of Signal Mountain peacefully passed on to be with her Lord and Savior at the age of 89, leaving behind a lifetime of love, laughter, and stories her family will retell for years to come.

Barbara June was born to parents Robert Lee Shrader and Ruby Inez Mabry Shrader on Mitchell Avenue in Chattanooga, Tennessee, on June 3, 1936.

She grew up in the Brainerd area, attending Missionary Ridge Elementary School and Brainerd Baptist Church (where she was married). She loved frequenting Southland Skating Rink, where she enjoyed competition skating and had success. Barbara graduated from Central High School in 1954, where she was a majorette and a Night Owl. After a year at Tennessee Tech, she chose marriage over school, giving up her new car (the first Thunderbird in Chattanooga) to marry the love of her life in 1955, Sherwin Anderson. They were blessed to celebrate over 61 years of marriage. Barbara worked outside the home through the years in a law office, a doctor’s office, as a phone operator, as a Realtor with Chattanooga Realty, and also with the Hershey Company as a merchandiser.

Barbara and Sherwin were long-time members of Central Baptist Church in Woodmore, where they spent much of their time raising their two children and serving others. Barbara was a member of the choir and a leader working with the “Senior Dears.” In their later years, she and Sherwin attended Ridgedale Baptist Church, where they made many sweet memories through fellowship and trips with lifelong friends. Barbara also enjoyed singing in the choir at Ridgedale, and she was a member of the Covenant Sunday School Class.

Barbara, also known to many as "Cootie" and to some as “Mimi”, will be remembered for her infectious laugh, quick humor, and unapologetically opinionated commentary on… well, just about everything. She had a way of saying exactly what she thought. She proudly (and jokingly) referred to herself as the "matriarch" of the family—an inside joke everyone shared because, truthfully, she carried that role with style. Barbara embodied the quintessential 1970s homemaker, cooking and caring for her family and supporting her children in all of their activities. She was a planner and an entertainer. She loved hosting fabulous dinner parties, birthday celebrations, surprise events, and all holiday celebrations. She put many hours into campaigning and organizing reunions, trips, Red Hat luncheons with the “Sassy Lassies,” family vacations, and more! Her leadership was equal parts love, humor, and unfiltered honesty that kept everyone on their toes in the best possible way. If Barbara teased you, it meant you were one of her people.

Barbara touched many lives, caring for and loving others. Behind her humor was a heart full of loyalty and love. Barbara loved Jesus! She was a devoted wife, a loving mother, a doting grandmother, great-grandmother and aunt. She adored her family and friends, showing it through her presence and her care for them. Her voice, her humor, and her heart will stay with us forever.

She is survived by her children, David Anderson Jr. (Rhonda) and Tracy Maddox (Mark); grandchildren, Devin Marshall (Drew), David Anderson III, Mabry Maddox, Ruby Maddox; great-granddaughter, Aria Marshall; and many nieces and nephews; all of whom will miss her fiercely and fondly.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Sherwin Anderson; her mother, Ruby Inez Shrader; father, Robert Lee Shrader; sister, Gloria Taylor (Steve); and brother, Robert Larry Shrader.

A celebration of Barbara’s life will be held on January 3, 2026, at Ridgedale Baptist Church. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m., with a funeral service beginning at 1:00 p.m. Following the service, Barbara will be laid to rest at the New Hope Cemetery in Rosalie, Alabama.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations be made to the Chattanooga Children’s Home or Ridgedale Baptist Church, both of which were close to her heart.

Please share your thoughts and memories of Barbara online at www.ChattanoogaNorthChapel.com

Chattanooga Funeral Home North Chapel is in charge of her arrangements.