Born to Lonnie Rackard and Nancy Percy in McCollough, Alabama, Warnice spent her young life working with her father on the farm and helping her mother with the housework. But she preferred to be outdoors. It was not uncommon for farm life to pull children away from school in those days, but Warnice completed the 8th grade, married at a young age, and had six children (three boys and three girls).
Warnice worked hard to support her children and later married the love of her life, Edward L. Anderson. Warnice and Ed shared 26 wonderful years of marriage and enjoyed countless family outings to local beaches, where they would camp out, catch crab, cook out and just enjoy each other’s company, as well as the company of many family members and friends.
In 1986, Warnice retired from shift work at Monsanto in Cantonment, FL, and that allowed her to spend valuable time with her grandchildren, a few of whom she helped to raise.
She will be remembered by members of the Poarch Creek Community as Warnice, by Pensacola residents as Juanita or “Nita”, but by most as Granny. Granny had a heart for the broken-hearted, outcast, mistreated, and less fortunate. Despite what she may have lacked, she always found a way to feed those who would end up at her home. “I can always add another can of beans to the pot” she would say, and she would give her last $5 if she knew you needed it. She always made her home feel like your home.
Warnice also stood up for those who would not or could not stand up for themselves. If she saw you were being mistreated, you could be sure she was going to let someone hear about it.
She was a member of the New Home Church, Poarch Community. Her faith was very important to her. It was not uncommon to walk into her home and find her reading the Bible. She loved the Lord and prayed for her family daily. She prayed for God’s protection over anyone who was struggling physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
Warnice is survived by her three daughters, Norah Franklin (Ronnie, deceased), Darlene Hastings (Willard, deceased), Nancy Faircloth (Dickie), son Preston McGhee (Shannon), and step-daughter Phyllis, 11 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, and 10 great-great-grandchildren. They were all close to her heart, no matter their distance.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Edward L. Anderson, Son, Roger Dale McGhee, Son, John Wayne McGhee, and sister, Lois Amos. Warnice was the last living child of Lonnie and Nancy Rackard.
We were all blessed to have known and loved her, and she will be sorely missed.
The family would like to thank the staff at The Veranda of Pensacola for the love and care they showed to Mrs. Anderson and family, and also thank the staff of Hospice at West Florida Hospital for their support.
A visitation for Warnice will be held Friday, December 16, 2022 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Eastern Gate Memorial Funeral Home, 1985 West Nine Mile Road, Pensacola, FL 32534, followed by a funeral service with committal prayer at 12:00PM.
Warnice will be laid to rest in Eastern Gate Memorial Gardens.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.EasternGateMemorial.com for the Anderson family.
