Mary Idaree Jones Anderson, 94, of Agricola Community (Lucedale) passed away on August 4, 2022, after a long full life.

She was born at home on February 23, 1928, to Thomas Trymbol (Tom) and Leola Eugenia (Gena) Jones. She was one of 12 children and the oldest of 10 surviving through adulthood. She attended Agricola High School and traveled with her late husband to various military stations until his retirement from the U.S. Air Force in 1964. During their military service in Japan, she volunteered and was recognized for her work with the American Red Cross. After retirement from military service, they returned home to George County. She enjoyed teaching kindergarten prior to it becoming mandated in Mississippi public schools, where she influenced many young lives. Later in life she completed the first LPN (Licensed Practical Nursing) program in George County. She enjoyed nursing in various hospitals, nursing homes, and private nursing until she retired at age 65. She continued to nurse privately for individuals in her retirement. Late in life she enjoyed teaching the Elma Bristow Sunday School Class at the First United Methodist Church of Lucedale.

In 1944, she married Daniel O. Anderson, Sr., and they had 4 children: Sanna Rae Anderson King, Daniel O. Anderson, Jr., Thomas T. Anderson, and Mary Jaye Anderson.

Mary Idaree was predeceased by her husband, Daniel O. Anderson, Sr., Daughter, Sanna Rae King, Parents, Thomas Trymbol Jones and Leola Eugenia Vise Jones; Sisters: Dolar Inez (infant) Jones, Maud Leola Jones Thigpen, Jessie Marie Jones Brown; Brothers: Thomas Grant Jones(Infant), Charles Luther Jones, Edd Jones, Thomas Austin Jones, William Carl Jones.

She is survived by her children: Daniel O. (Kathy) Anderson, Jr., Thomas T. (Gail) Anderson, and Hon. Jaye A. (Rev. Kevin C.) Bradley; her grandchildren: Patricia (Tom) Perkins, Major Michael Damon (Lt. Col Erica) King (Ret.), Melissa (Mark) Grohman, Katie (Matthew) Thomaston, Christopher (Theresa) Anderson, M.D., Jonathan (Erin) Anderson, D.V.M., Katie Anderson Howell, Caroline Bradley (Cameron) Kenney, J.D., Brooks Bradley; and 18 great grandchildren; Sisters: Kay Jean (Wayne) Christian, Barbara Lou Wade and brother, John T. (Carolyn) Jones.

Serving as pallbearers are Dr. Christopher Anderson, Dr. Jonathan Anderson, Major Michael Damon King (Ret. USAF), Brooks A. Bradley, Jacob Thomaston, Burkitt Anderson.

Mary Idaree was a member at First United Methodist Church of Lucedale. Services will be held at The First United Methodist Church of Lucedale on Wednesday, August 10, 2022. Visitation will be from 1:00 PM until service time of 2:00 PM. Interment will be afterwards at Pineview Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery.

Mary Idaree enjoyed learning and appreciated education. She encouraged her children to attend college. All of her children completed their undergraduate degrees at the University of Southern Mississippi. She encouraged everyone to learn and in lieu of flowers, her family requests donations be made in their mother's name to Mary Idaree Anderson Scholarship at USM Foundation at the University of Southern Mississippi, School of Nursing. Donations may be mailed to 118 College Dr. #5210, Hattiesburg, MS 39406 OR made online at usmfoundation.com . Please note that the gift is made in memory of Mary Idaree Anderson.

Sigler Funeral Home, 601-947-3112, www.siglerfuneral.com , 4248 Main Street, Lucedale, MS, is in charge of arrangements.