Geraldine Anderson

Geraldine Dodrill Anderson, 92, lifelong resident of Webster Springs passed from this life Tuesday, August 14, 2012 at The Village at Brookwood in Burlington, North Carolina surrounded by family. She was born December 8, 1919 in Cowen, WV, the daughter of the late Dr. James Bernard Dodrill and Maybelle Hereford Dodrill. She was preceded in death by her husband of 44 years, Allen Ressenger Anderson, and a sister, Juanita Bernadine Dodrill. Those survivors left to cherish her memory are: Susan (Paul) Bennett of Webster Springs, W.V., Jean Anderson of Burlington, N.C., Alice (Charles) Vandegrift of Morgantown, W.V., Elizabeth (Michael) Solak of Winchester, Va., Patricia (Charles) Pilger of Martinsburg, W.V., 14 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. Gerry is also survived by her beloved poodle, Socks. Gerry graduated from Duke University in 1941. Her desire was to attend law school after graduation, but at that time all the slots were given to men. She then continued her education at Simmons College in Boston and received a legal secretary degree. Upon graduation Gerry worked for Seagram's in Baltimore where they manufactured distilled alcohol for the war effort. Gerry returned to Webster Springs in 1947 to marry the love of her life, Allen. She was a retired high school teacher, with over 21 years of experience in the Webster County School System. Her students enjoyed Gerry for her sense of humor, her fairness, and her unique ability to make learning fun. From her childhood, she had a love of reading and passed this on to her daughters. Gerry was an avid volunteer on the early Book Mobile that first serviced the Webster Springs area and later served on the Webster-Addison Library Board of Directors. Upon her retirement, Gerry rekindled her youth affiliation with Girl Scouts by becoming a Girl Scout Leader. She also thoroughly enjoyed traveling with friends, family, and tour groups throughout the States, Europe, Canada, and Australia. Because she was a wonderful cook, her daughters treasure the recipes of favorite foods that she left for them. Gerry had a passion for the welfare of animals because of her companion Socks and this led to a desire to assist in the development of the Webster County Humane Society with donations and gift requests from family. A Celebration of Life will be held at First United Methodist Church in Webster Springs on Saturday, October 27th, starting at 2:00 PM. As per her wishes, in lieu of flowers donations may be made to Webster Springs Main Street, P.O. Box 66, Webster Springs, WV 26288.