Mary Anderson

On September 4, 1945 in Midland, Texas, a beautiful, angelic baby girl, Mary Louise Anderson, graced L.E. Anderson and Louise Stewart Blaylock with her presence. Mary was the eldest of eight sisters and four brothers. As a young child, she developed a passion for cooking while providing care of her younger siblings. She was remembered as a "Mother," "Teacher," and "Big Sister" by her brothers and sisters. She enjoyed dancing and listening to the Blues. After attending Dunbar High School in Lubbock, Texas, Mary went to Job Corp, where she received a Certification for Cosmetology. In 1972, Mary moved to Denver, Colorado with her three loving daughters, Diane, Lola "Eddy" and Donna. Mary was remembered by her daughters as humble, loving and always there when they needed her. "She was The Best Momma Ever." In 1979, Mary met her loving and supportive husband, James C. Rivers at Dukes Bar and Grill. They began a journey of building a loving and joyful life together. They loved each other deeply. They were inseparable. The two of them would enjoy watching Westerns, Walker, Texas Ranger and Judge Judy. James will always remember her giving him "The Best 37 years of his life". Mary worked for Denver Public Schools as a bus assistance and a cook in the school cafeteria. She had a passion for cooking for her students, family and friends. She always provided a meal to anyone that was hungry. She enjoyed providing childcare for her family and friends. Her love for Bingo and Central City was undeniable. She was so fascinated with Bingo that she would get on the Bingo bus to play in other states. A week before she passed, she spent her birthday in Central City. She said, "I didn't win anything but I enjoyed myself." Mary enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. Before her health began to decline, she would make Sunday dinners for all of her family to come together to spend time. Mary had a heart of gold that touched many people's lives with her caring, genuine loving spirit. Her grandchildren will always remember her vibrant energy, being the backbone and protector of our family. She would also make skillet size crunchy pancakes on the weekends while dancing to the blues. Mary was preceded in death by her daughter, Donna Anderson; her parents, L.E. Anderson and Louise Stewart Blaylock; one sisters, Sherry Anderson; and one brother, Lovie Jr. Blaylock. Our Angel Mary Louise Anderson was called HOME on Tuesday, September 13, 2016, from Denver, Colorado. She leaves to cherish her memories, her devoted husband, James C. Rivers; two daughters, Diane Avery, Lola (June) Roy; 13 brothers and sisters, Helen Livingston, Johnnie (Diana) Anderson, Jackie (Jerri) Anderson, all of Denver, Nettie Briscoe, Viola Blaylock, Lovie Mae Blaylock, Lola B. Blaylock, Brenda Blaylock, Barbara Hunter, Melvin Blaylock, all of Texas; 6 grandchildren, Carlos Anderson, Lisette (Jarvis) Roy, Gunner Roy, Shameka (Darren DeBouse) Avery-DeBouse, Raychelle Martinez and Nicholas LeRoy; 13 great grandchildren, a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends. We will truly miss you "Giirrll!!!"

Funeral Home: Pipkin Braswell Funerals and Cremation - 2050 Uinta Street, Denver, Colorado
Visitation: 9/21/2016 at 4:00 PM - Pipkin Braswell Chapel of Peace - 6601 East Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO
Service: 9/22/2016 at 11:00 AM - Pipkin Braswell Chapel of Peace - 3370 Ivy Street, Denver, CO
Cemetery: 9/22/2016 at 2:15:00 PM - Fort Logan National Cemetery - 4400 W. Kenyon Ave., Denver, CO