Miriam Pauline (Devonish) Anderson

Pauline, you began a new chapter of your eternal life story, in Heaven on September 8, 2023. There were so many loving words, prayers, tears, kisses, and hugs bestowed upon you as we unselfishly loved you until your Father was ready to receive you. Knowing that your Angel status is now complete gives us the comfort we need. Thank you, Mom.

Our beautiful Pauline, daughter of the late Edwin Devonish (Barbados) and the late, Edith Wilson (Jamaica), was born in Colón, Panama on June 18, 1937, the 7th of eight children. She was able to learn Spanish despite the two languages being spoken at home by her parents. This was only the beginning of Pauline’s determined, self-motivated, inspiring journey.

Pauline moved to Washington, D.C. with her ex-husband, William J. Anderson, before finally settling in Seattle, where they raised their five kids. Pauline’s strong will and eagerness to learn, motivated her teach herself to drive, become fluent in English, and learn how to navigate the workforce of a new country (U.S.A.), which she eventually became a citizen of. Prior to retirement, she continued to learn and grow in the financial literacy arena! Pauline retired with numerous accolades and praises from the Seattle School District, but she was a lifetime caregiver, professionally and personally. She cared for nursing home residents, friends, family, and her kids. Pauline never retired from Motherhood, and she will forever be a role model for her loved ones…she will always be a “favorite”.

Pauline was an angel on earth, and now she’s an Angel in Heaven who is survived by three of her five children, Alicia Cole (Brian), Michele Anderson, and William L. Anderson; three of her seven siblings, Hilda Hill, Dorothy Smith, and Alphonso Devonish; in addition, she leaves to mourn near and far, her 12 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, cousins, and her Anderson in-laws.

Special acknowledgements to her daughter-in-law, Jane Kashoka, and her son-in-law, Kevin Spivey for being there in her times of need; her home church, which she loved, Prospect Congregational and Rev. Meighan Pritchard; Amani Senior Homes (Linda, Ray, and Faith) for loving and caring for mom and mom’s family; and her best sister-friend, until the end, Muriel Branch. We love and appreciate everyone (we couldn’t mention you all) who helped our mom, no matter the magnitude…Thank You!

Pauline was preceded in death by her parents, four of her siblings (Thelma, Walter, George, and Sinclaire); beloved children, Eric Anderson (2/28/22), Melinda Spivey (11/28/22); brother-in-law Sherman Perkins (3/18/17); and her sister-friend Brenda Tillery (9/7/23), who we believe was with her as she departed.

A visitation for Miriam will be held Thursday, September 21, 2023 from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Acacia Funeral Home, 14951 Bothell Way NE, Seattle, Washington. A funeral service will occur Friday, September 22, 2023 from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM at Greater Gospel Temple Church, 12626 Renton Ave S, Seattle, Washington. A graveside service will occur Friday, September 22, 2023 at 2:00 PM at Acacia Memorial Park, 14951 Bothell Way NE, Seattle, Washington.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.acaciafuneralhome.com for the Anderson/Devonish family.