Gearldene Free Anderson, 82, of Benton, passed away Saturday, January 6, 2024 at Marshall County Hospital.
Gearldene was born in Murray on June 11, 1941 to the late Dewey Free and the late Effie Youngblood Free. She attended Benton church of Christ and was a homemaker. Gearldene will be remembered as the best mom to her seven children. She loved each of her grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren; Gearldene made a point to always be present in each of their lives. She had a heart of gold that extended to animals, as well. Gearldene enjoyed old country music and was a huge Elvis fan.
She is survived by six children, Rhonda Murphy (Fred), Karen Fulks, Tresia Darnall (Mark), Randy Anderson (Norma), Sass Anderson, and Billy Anderson (Brandi); ten grandchildren, Kevin Rudd (Crissy), Valerie Rudd, Blaine Elder (Matt), Raven Darnall (Kyle Barrett), Bud Darnall (Cailee), Joe Anderson (fiancé, Christi Riley), Kayla Rosson (Jason), Adam Brandon (Courtney), Drake Anderson, Brock Anderson (fiancé, Madison Reed); fifteen great grandchild, two great-great grandchildren; two sisters, Lillian Lawrence and Martha Belcher; and her dog, Zaxby.
Gearldene was preceded in death by her husband, Billy Joe Anderson; son, Roger Anderson; son-in-law, Steve Fulks, her parents, Dewey and Effie Free; seven brothers and two sisters.
Memorial contributions may take the form of donations made in memory of Gearldene Anderson to the Alzheimer’s Association; 225 N. Michigan Ave., Floor 17, Chicago, IL 6060.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, January 10, 2024 at Collier Funeral Home with Mark Ray officiating. Burial will follow at Anderson Cemetery.
The visitation will be from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM on Tuesday, January 9, 2024 at Collier Funeral Home.