Imogene Elizabeth Anderson

Imogene was born May 13, 1932 at Charlotte, NC. Her parents, Ernest B. Walker and Mabel M. Walker, predeceased her. An only child, she grew up in Concord. She graduated from Concord High School in 1950 and attended Woman’s College, University of North Carolina, Greensboro. She married Kenneth G. Anderson of Durham, at St. James Lutheran Church in Concord August 16, 1953. Soon she accompanied Kenneth, an Air Force Lieutenant, to Texas, Illinois and England. They lived in the Thames Valley near London (Windsor Castle visible in the distance) and traveled in England and Europe. Daughter, Melanie, was born there. Imogene went to Washington, as Kenneth attended law school. She earned her PHT as a civilian Air Force employee at the Pentagon. In 1958, as Kenneth was admitted to the bar, Imogene “semi-retired” to devote herself to her family. Jacksonville became home in 1960, once she “got sand in her shoes”.

Mostly, she loved Kenneth, her children, grandchildren and great grandson. She was a wonderful warm companion and made a gracious home. Always true to her convictions, Imogene was active at Lakewood United Methodist Church as a young mother and a member, for life. Her interests included bridge club (since 1962), stock club (an organizer), painting, sewing, gardening, pottery and standard poodles, to name a few. She was artistic with impeccable taste. She excelled in interior design at home, and fashioned five separate law suites for Kenneth. She aided Kenneth in law office accounting for many years. She co-authored building plans for their Mandarin home. With son, Chip, then 10, she was a family “super” supervisor, most days. No change orders. She was President of Inner Wheel of Jacksonville (Rotary) and volunteered at St. Luke’s Hospital for many years. At San Jose Country Club she belonged to the nine-hole golf group and served as its secretary. She was a member at Ponte Vedra Club. She and Kenneth enjoyed many foreign travels.

She is survived by husband of 60 years, Kenneth G. Anderson, children, Melanie Elizabeth O’Leary (Joseph T. O’Leary, Jr.), North Grafton, Mass; Michael D. Anderson (Ginger M. Anderson), Wake Forest, NC; Kenneth G. Anderson, Jr. (Kara Julianne Anderson), Jacksonville, FL; grandchildren, Katherine Elizabeth O’Leary, Joseph Timothy O’Leary III, Mackenzie Danielle Anderson, Sara Frances Anderson; and great grandson, Ethan Paul, beloved sister-in-law, Christina Anderson (Durham) (John Q. Anderson, deceased); cousins, Regina Helms and Gary Walker both of (Concord) and Barbara Ivey (Greensboro) and members of the Anderson family: Mary Anderson Leggette (Durham), Roger Anderson (Kure Beach) and Bird Anderson Baldwin (Pine Bluff, WY)

The family thanks caregivers, Kristie, Katrina, Lisa, Rita and Sharon; and Jane Kowalski, her devoted staff at Clare Bridge and also Community Hospice for their kind care for Imogene.

Funeral services were at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 28 at Lakewood United Methodist Church, 6133 San Jose Blvd., with reception at the church following the services. Rev. Eric Williams officiating.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 am Tuesday December 31, 2013 at Maplewood Cemetery, Durham, NC. Rev. Taylor Mills, Trinity United Methodist Church, officiating. Hall Wynne Funeral Home, Durham, also assists the family.

Memorial contributions may be made to Community Hospice of Northeast Florida.

Words of comfort can be left at www.hardage-giddenshendricksave.com

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home 4115 Hendricks Ave. Jacksonville, FL 32207. (904) 346-3808