Melissa "Missy" Anderson, 59, a resident of Eatonton, Georgia and formerly of Luverne, passed away unexpectedly in her home on Thursday, April 20th, 2023. A graveside service for Missy will be held at 11 AM on Thursday, May 4th, in Luverne Emmaus Cemetery with Turners Funeral Home directing. Family and friends will meet in the cemetery at the service time.
Missy was born in Luverne at Kendrick Memorial Hospital (now Luverne Health & Rehabilitation) on August 3, 1963. From birth, she knew her own mind and had very strong opinions on many things! Still, she had an adorable and infectious personality that made her easy to love and a mischievous side that ensured you would always have a good time with her! She was a proud alumnus of Crenshaw Christian Academy. She began attending there in the 5th grade and won both the Little Miss CCA pageant and Junior Miss. For all the accolades her looks brought her, Missy felt much more at home in athletics. She excelled at all sports, from golf to tennis and flag football, however basketball was definitely her favorite in high school. Her 50 scored points in one game was a state record at the time.
After high school, Missy attended the University of Alabama, where she was a member of the Delta Delta Delta Sorority. Her passion for her alma mater and all things Alabama football was a family trait. Conversations with her mother and sister, not to mention her Aunt Marilyn & Uncle Jim, rarely didn't including a discussion on the topic. They could confidently discuss the players, coaches, games, and plays, as well as the latest gossip and commentary from Paul Finebaum. And they couldn't end a call without the customary Roll Tide! National Signing Day and the NFL Draft were big events in their family and they loved any part that favored their beloved alma mater. Missy carried that love with her even when she lived in Georgia. She proudly flew a quite large Alabama flag on her dock at the lake where she lived. Mysteriously, her elephant statue at the mailbox often went missing while she lived amongst all the Georgia fans. Missy's response was to just make her Alabama displays even bigger and more ostentatious every time it happened!!
After earning her bachelor's degree, Missy took a job with a new fashion company at the time, Banana Republic. Her job involved a great deal of travel as she oversaw various regions of the country for them as the company became more and more popular. Her personality served her well in her position as it made her a fantastic salesperson and marketer. Missy also demonstrated superb leadership skills over the years, winning sales awards yearly. She eventually worked her way up to the role of vice president with Gap, Incorporated, before health issues required her to reluctantly take an early retirement. Still, Missy loved the freedom that came with her position and her lifestyle. She continued to pursue her love of tennis while in Atlanta where she played on the top amateur tennis circuit before dropping down a level, not because of the competition level, but because she discovered those players were just all around nicer competitors and no one went home angry! She had a group of tennis friends who often attended both the U.S. Open in New York City and Wimbledon for several years. Her position also allowed her to indulge in her love of travel. That included a fabulous trip to Eastern Europe in the 1990s with family. They took a tour bus through Germany, Poland, and Czechoslovakia where she never failed to make friends in every town they visited, despite not being able to speak the language! Of course, Missy knew that the locals she befriended were also the ones who could best direct them to the best eating establishments and the pubs with the best beers from that regions. Once again, Missy's fun and outgoing personality allowed her to feel at home anywhere she went.
However, Missy's favorite spot on Earth was her quiet home on Lake Sinclair in Georgia. She was as comfortable at an elegant, formal dinner as she was sharing fresh fish with the landscaper tending to her lawn, and her easygoing manner always left everyone feeling welcome in her presence and home. She never married, but her heart and life were filled to overflowing with a multitude of friends from all walks of life. Her home was her refuge and was always filled with love, laughter, good food, great music, wonderful conversations, and, of course, lots of football! Missy never let the trials and tribulations that her life and health threw at her bring her down and detract from how much she loved every aspect of life. Spending so much time at home was never a hardship for her as she was at peace there and embraced a quieter life filled with fishing, gardening, bird watching, and the pictures she took of her beloved flowers and local wildlife. Her gentle nature left her attuned to the natural world and she had a tender heart when it came to nursing squirrels, bluebirds, and other small animals she came across back to health and vitality.
Missy spent a lot of time volunteering at the Community Center on Lake Sinclair, where she was responsible for handling all of the landscaping, as well as organizing community garage sales to help those in need. She had an open and giving heart and was well known for how much help she provided to anyone and everyone who needed it. She was also an inspirational speaker who could charm any audience with her amusing stories and meaningful words of wisdom. She spoke at many dinner events and the attendees always connected to her through her authenticity and openness. There were few things she loved more than to share the many lessons she learned throughout her life and her experiences. Missy was also a woman of faith who was quick to share a scripture or devotional that she thought a family member or friend would find uplifting. She modeled her faith and trust in the Lord daily and never hesitated to share that with anyone she met.
Missy never had children, but no one filled her heart so completely like her beloved Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. Her first loves were her "city dogs," Bear and Tiger. They moved with her to Lake Sinclair from the Atlanta area and slowly adjusted to a more sedate lifestyle. Though she was devastated to lose them, she soon found Happy to help fill the void they left. Happy certainly lived up to his name as he enjoyed their boat rides, long walks, and playing outside with Missy. Happy was more than just a companion though, as he was also a source of comfort for her during her hardest days with her health. He never left her side when she was at home and made sure she felt loved and needed every day. All three dogs were her babies and constantly proved why dogs have always been "man's best friend."
Missy was preceded in death by her parents, Courtney Garner Shows and Larry E. Garner, and her beloved canine companions, Bear, Tiger, and Happy.
Missy was born in Luverne at Kendrick Memorial Hospital (now Luverne Health & Rehabilitation) on August 3, 1963. From birth, she knew her own mind and had very strong opinions on many things! Still, she had an adorable and infectious personality that made her easy to love and a mischievous side that ensured you would always have a good time with her! She was a proud alumnus of Crenshaw Christian Academy. She began attending there in the 5th grade and won both the Little Miss CCA pageant and Junior Miss. For all the accolades her looks brought her, Missy felt much more at home in athletics. She excelled at all sports, from golf to tennis and flag football, however basketball was definitely her favorite in high school. Her 50 scored points in one game was a state record at the time.
After high school, Missy attended the University of Alabama, where she was a member of the Delta Delta Delta Sorority. Her passion for her alma mater and all things Alabama football was a family trait. Conversations with her mother and sister, not to mention her Aunt Marilyn & Uncle Jim, rarely didn't including a discussion on the topic. They could confidently discuss the players, coaches, games, and plays, as well as the latest gossip and commentary from Paul Finebaum. And they couldn't end a call without the customary Roll Tide! National Signing Day and the NFL Draft were big events in their family and they loved any part that favored their beloved alma mater. Missy carried that love with her even when she lived in Georgia. She proudly flew a quite large Alabama flag on her dock at the lake where she lived. Mysteriously, her elephant statue at the mailbox often went missing while she lived amongst all the Georgia fans. Missy's response was to just make her Alabama displays even bigger and more ostentatious every time it happened!!
After earning her bachelor's degree, Missy took a job with a new fashion company at the time, Banana Republic. Her job involved a great deal of travel as she oversaw various regions of the country for them as the company became more and more popular. Her personality served her well in her position as it made her a fantastic salesperson and marketer. Missy also demonstrated superb leadership skills over the years, winning sales awards yearly. She eventually worked her way up to the role of vice president with Gap, Incorporated, before health issues required her to reluctantly take an early retirement. Still, Missy loved the freedom that came with her position and her lifestyle. She continued to pursue her love of tennis while in Atlanta where she played on the top amateur tennis circuit before dropping down a level, not because of the competition level, but because she discovered those players were just all around nicer competitors and no one went home angry! She had a group of tennis friends who often attended both the U.S. Open in New York City and Wimbledon for several years. Her position also allowed her to indulge in her love of travel. That included a fabulous trip to Eastern Europe in the 1990s with family. They took a tour bus through Germany, Poland, and Czechoslovakia where she never failed to make friends in every town they visited, despite not being able to speak the language! Of course, Missy knew that the locals she befriended were also the ones who could best direct them to the best eating establishments and the pubs with the best beers from that regions. Once again, Missy's fun and outgoing personality allowed her to feel at home anywhere she went.
However, Missy's favorite spot on Earth was her quiet home on Lake Sinclair in Georgia. She was as comfortable at an elegant, formal dinner as she was sharing fresh fish with the landscaper tending to her lawn, and her easygoing manner always left everyone feeling welcome in her presence and home. She never married, but her heart and life were filled to overflowing with a multitude of friends from all walks of life. Her home was her refuge and was always filled with love, laughter, good food, great music, wonderful conversations, and, of course, lots of football! Missy never let the trials and tribulations that her life and health threw at her bring her down and detract from how much she loved every aspect of life. Spending so much time at home was never a hardship for her as she was at peace there and embraced a quieter life filled with fishing, gardening, bird watching, and the pictures she took of her beloved flowers and local wildlife. Her gentle nature left her attuned to the natural world and she had a tender heart when it came to nursing squirrels, bluebirds, and other small animals she came across back to health and vitality.
Missy spent a lot of time volunteering at the Community Center on Lake Sinclair, where she was responsible for handling all of the landscaping, as well as organizing community garage sales to help those in need. She had an open and giving heart and was well known for how much help she provided to anyone and everyone who needed it. She was also an inspirational speaker who could charm any audience with her amusing stories and meaningful words of wisdom. She spoke at many dinner events and the attendees always connected to her through her authenticity and openness. There were few things she loved more than to share the many lessons she learned throughout her life and her experiences. Missy was also a woman of faith who was quick to share a scripture or devotional that she thought a family member or friend would find uplifting. She modeled her faith and trust in the Lord daily and never hesitated to share that with anyone she met.
Missy never had children, but no one filled her heart so completely like her beloved Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. Her first loves were her "city dogs," Bear and Tiger. They moved with her to Lake Sinclair from the Atlanta area and slowly adjusted to a more sedate lifestyle. Though she was devastated to lose them, she soon found Happy to help fill the void they left. Happy certainly lived up to his name as he enjoyed their boat rides, long walks, and playing outside with Missy. Happy was more than just a companion though, as he was also a source of comfort for her during her hardest days with her health. He never left her side when she was at home and made sure she felt loved and needed every day. All three dogs were her babies and constantly proved why dogs have always been "man's best friend."
Missy was preceded in death by her parents, Courtney Garner Shows and Larry E. Garner, and her beloved canine companions, Bear, Tiger, and Happy.
Melissa "Missy" Anderson, 59, a resident of Eatonton, Georgia and formerly of Luverne, passed away unexpectedly in her home on Thursday, April 20th, 2023. A graveside service for Missy will be held at 11 AM on Thursday, May 4th, in Luverne Emmaus Cemetery with Turners Funeral Home directing. Family and friends will meet in the cemetery at the service time.
Missy was born in Luverne at Kendrick Memorial Hospital (now Luverne Health & Rehabilitation) on August 3, 1963. From birth, she knew her own mind and had very strong opinions on many things! Still, she had an adorable and infectious personality that made her easy to love and a mischievous side that ensured you would always have a good time with her! She was a proud alumnus of Crenshaw Christian Academy. She began attending there in the 5th grade and won both the Little Miss CCA pageant and Junior Miss. For all the accolades her looks brought her, Missy felt much more at home in athletics. She excelled at all sports, from golf to tennis and flag football, however basketball was definitely her favorite in high school. Her 50 scored points in one game was a state record at the time.
After high school, Missy attended the University of Alabama, where she was a member of the Delta Delta Delta Sorority. Her passion for her alma mater and all things Alabama football was a family trait. Conversations with her mother and sister, not to mention her Aunt Marilyn & Uncle Jim, rarely didn't including a discussion on the topic. They could confidently discuss the players, coaches, games, and plays, as well as the latest gossip and commentary from Paul Finebaum. And they couldn't end a call without the customary Roll Tide! National Signing Day and the NFL Draft were big events in their family and they loved any part that favored their beloved alma mater. Missy carried that love with her even when she lived in Georgia. She proudly flew a quite large Alabama flag on her dock at the lake where she lived. Mysteriously, her elephant statue at the mailbox often went missing while she lived amongst all the Georgia fans. Missy's response was to just make her Alabama displays even bigger and more ostentatious every time it happened!!
After earning her bachelor's degree, Missy took a job with a new fashion company at the time, Banana Republic. Her job involved a great deal of travel as she oversaw various regions of the country for them as the company became more and more popular. Her personality served her well in her position as it made her a fantastic salesperson and marketer. Missy also demonstrated superb leadership skills over the years, winning sales awards yearly. She eventually worked her way up to the role of vice president with Gap, Incorporated, before health issues required her to reluctantly take an early retirement. Still, Missy loved the freedom that came with her position and her lifestyle. She continued to pursue her love of tennis while in Atlanta where she played on the top amateur tennis circuit before dropping down a level, not because of the competition level, but because she discovered those players were just all around nicer competitors and no one went home angry! She had a group of tennis friends who often attended both the U.S. Open in New York City and Wimbledon for several years. Her position also allowed her to indulge in her love of travel. That included a fabulous trip to Eastern Europe in the 1990s with family. They took a tour bus through Germany, Poland, and Czechoslovakia where she never failed to make friends in every town they visited, despite not being able to speak the language! Of course, Missy knew that the locals she befriended were also the ones who could best direct them to the best eating establishments and the pubs with the best beers from that regions. Once again, Missy's fun and outgoing personality allowed her to feel at home anywhere she went.
However, Missy's favorite spot on Earth was her quiet home on Lake Sinclair in Georgia. She was as comfortable at an elegant, formal dinner as she was sharing fresh fish with the landscaper tending to her lawn, and her easygoing manner always left everyone feeling welcome in her presence and home. She never married, but her heart and life were filled to overflowing with a multitude of friends from all walks of life. Her home was her refuge and was always filled with love, laughter, good food, great music, wonderful conversations, and, of course, lots of football! Missy never let the trials and tribulations that her life and health threw at her bring her down and detract from how much she loved every aspect of life. Spending so much time at home was never a hardship for her as she was at peace there and embraced a quieter life filled with fishing, gardening, bird watching, and the pictures she took of her beloved flowers and local wildlife. Her gentle nature left her attuned to the natural world and she had a tender heart when it came to nursing squirrels, bluebirds, and other small animals she came across back to health and vitality.
Missy spent a lot of time volunteering at the Community Center on Lake Sinclair, where she was responsible for handling all of the landscaping, as well as organizing community garage sales to help those in need. She had an open and giving heart and was well known for how much help she provided to anyone and everyone who needed it. She was also an inspirational speaker who could charm any audience with her amusing stories and meaningful words of wisdom. She spoke at many dinner events and the attendees always connected to her through her authenticity and openness. There were few things she loved more than to share the many lessons she learned throughout her life and her experiences. Missy was also a woman of faith who was quick to share a scripture or devotional that she thought a family member or friend would find uplifting. She modeled her faith and trust in the Lord daily and never hesitated to share that with anyone she met.
Missy never had children, but no one filled her heart so completely like her beloved Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. Her first loves were her "city dogs," Bear and Tiger. They moved with her to Lake Sinclair from the Atlanta area and slowly adjusted to a more sedate lifestyle. Though she was devastated to lose them, she soon found Happy to help fill the void they left. Happy certainly lived up to his name as he enjoyed their boat rides, long walks, and playing outside with Missy. Happy was more than just a companion though, as he was also a source of comfort for her during her hardest days with her health. He never left her side when she was at home and made sure she felt loved and needed every day. All three dogs were her babies and constantly proved why dogs have always been "man's best friend."
Missy was preceded in death by her parents, Courtney Garner Shows and Larry E. Garner, and her beloved canine companions, Bear, Tiger, and Happy.
Missy was born in Luverne at Kendrick Memorial Hospital (now Luverne Health & Rehabilitation) on August 3, 1963. From birth, she knew her own mind and had very strong opinions on many things! Still, she had an adorable and infectious personality that made her easy to love and a mischievous side that ensured you would always have a good time with her! She was a proud alumnus of Crenshaw Christian Academy. She began attending there in the 5th grade and won both the Little Miss CCA pageant and Junior Miss. For all the accolades her looks brought her, Missy felt much more at home in athletics. She excelled at all sports, from golf to tennis and flag football, however basketball was definitely her favorite in high school. Her 50 scored points in one game was a state record at the time.
After high school, Missy attended the University of Alabama, where she was a member of the Delta Delta Delta Sorority. Her passion for her alma mater and all things Alabama football was a family trait. Conversations with her mother and sister, not to mention her Aunt Marilyn & Uncle Jim, rarely didn't including a discussion on the topic. They could confidently discuss the players, coaches, games, and plays, as well as the latest gossip and commentary from Paul Finebaum. And they couldn't end a call without the customary Roll Tide! National Signing Day and the NFL Draft were big events in their family and they loved any part that favored their beloved alma mater. Missy carried that love with her even when she lived in Georgia. She proudly flew a quite large Alabama flag on her dock at the lake where she lived. Mysteriously, her elephant statue at the mailbox often went missing while she lived amongst all the Georgia fans. Missy's response was to just make her Alabama displays even bigger and more ostentatious every time it happened!!
After earning her bachelor's degree, Missy took a job with a new fashion company at the time, Banana Republic. Her job involved a great deal of travel as she oversaw various regions of the country for them as the company became more and more popular. Her personality served her well in her position as it made her a fantastic salesperson and marketer. Missy also demonstrated superb leadership skills over the years, winning sales awards yearly. She eventually worked her way up to the role of vice president with Gap, Incorporated, before health issues required her to reluctantly take an early retirement. Still, Missy loved the freedom that came with her position and her lifestyle. She continued to pursue her love of tennis while in Atlanta where she played on the top amateur tennis circuit before dropping down a level, not because of the competition level, but because she discovered those players were just all around nicer competitors and no one went home angry! She had a group of tennis friends who often attended both the U.S. Open in New York City and Wimbledon for several years. Her position also allowed her to indulge in her love of travel. That included a fabulous trip to Eastern Europe in the 1990s with family. They took a tour bus through Germany, Poland, and Czechoslovakia where she never failed to make friends in every town they visited, despite not being able to speak the language! Of course, Missy knew that the locals she befriended were also the ones who could best direct them to the best eating establishments and the pubs with the best beers from that regions. Once again, Missy's fun and outgoing personality allowed her to feel at home anywhere she went.
However, Missy's favorite spot on Earth was her quiet home on Lake Sinclair in Georgia. She was as comfortable at an elegant, formal dinner as she was sharing fresh fish with the landscaper tending to her lawn, and her easygoing manner always left everyone feeling welcome in her presence and home. She never married, but her heart and life were filled to overflowing with a multitude of friends from all walks of life. Her home was her refuge and was always filled with love, laughter, good food, great music, wonderful conversations, and, of course, lots of football! Missy never let the trials and tribulations that her life and health threw at her bring her down and detract from how much she loved every aspect of life. Spending so much time at home was never a hardship for her as she was at peace there and embraced a quieter life filled with fishing, gardening, bird watching, and the pictures she took of her beloved flowers and local wildlife. Her gentle nature left her attuned to the natural world and she had a tender heart when it came to nursing squirrels, bluebirds, and other small animals she came across back to health and vitality.
Missy spent a lot of time volunteering at the Community Center on Lake Sinclair, where she was responsible for handling all of the landscaping, as well as organizing community garage sales to help those in need. She had an open and giving heart and was well known for how much help she provided to anyone and everyone who needed it. She was also an inspirational speaker who could charm any audience with her amusing stories and meaningful words of wisdom. She spoke at many dinner events and the attendees always connected to her through her authenticity and openness. There were few things she loved more than to share the many lessons she learned throughout her life and her experiences. Missy was also a woman of faith who was quick to share a scripture or devotional that she thought a family member or friend would find uplifting. She modeled her faith and trust in the Lord daily and never hesitated to share that with anyone she met.
Missy never had children, but no one filled her heart so completely like her beloved Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. Her first loves were her "city dogs," Bear and Tiger. They moved with her to Lake Sinclair from the Atlanta area and slowly adjusted to a more sedate lifestyle. Though she was devastated to lose them, she soon found Happy to help fill the void they left. Happy certainly lived up to his name as he enjoyed their boat rides, long walks, and playing outside with Missy. Happy was more than just a companion though, as he was also a source of comfort for her during her hardest days with her health. He never left her side when she was at home and made sure she felt loved and needed every day. All three dogs were her babies and constantly proved why dogs have always been "man's best friend."
Missy was preceded in death by her parents, Courtney Garner Shows and Larry E. Garner, and her beloved canine companions, Bear, Tiger, and Happy.
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