Lessie V. Anderson

On August 24, 1945, Lessie V. Holland Anderson was born as the fifth child of Mr. Nesby Holland, Sr., and Eula B. Wiley Holland in Carthage, TX. Tragically, her mother passed away when Lessie was only two weeks old. However, God blessed her with a loving stepmother, Elneta Holland, a few years later, who raised her from infancy.

Lessie graduated from Turner High School in Carthage, TX, in 1963. She attended Prairie View College for one semester before deciding to move to Dallas to join the workforce. She enjoyed a long and successful career, retiring from Texas Instruments after 31 years. During her time there, her coworkers affectionately gave her the nickname “Duff.” Afterward, she worked as a teacher’s assistant in the Dallas Independent School District until reaching retirement age. 

She united with Jordan Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. R. M. Robertson and remained a faithful member until 1987. At that time, she moved her membership to Friendship Missionary Baptist Church of Dallas under Pastor Paul E. Walker. She was a dedicated member there until her passing. Lessie had a heart for God and loved her church family deeply. She was active in many capacities: serving as a member of the Women’s Mission Auxiliary, teaching the Women’s Sunday School class, and singing in the Sanctuary Choir. She served as the choir president for over 25 years until her health no longer permitted. Beyond her formal roles, she was known for her dedication to maintaining the church’s cleanliness and assisting in the kitchen, especially helping the men cook breakfast on 4th Sunday mornings.

God called our beloved Lessie home on December 30, 2024. She was preceded in death by her parents, Mr. Nesby and Mrs. Eula Wiley Holland; her stepmother, Mrs. Elneta Holland; her brothers, Jim Holland and Joe Gray; and her grandparents, aunts, and uncles. She was also preceded in death by her ex-husband.

Her precious memories will forever linger in the hearts of her family and loved ones: her sisters, Classie Mae Rogers and Wanda Lartigue of Texas City, TX, and Euna V. Austin of Aurora, CO; her brothers, Nesby Holland, Jr. (Gracie) of Stockton, CA, and Huey P. Rayson of Dallas, TX; her aunt, Eva Doris Holland of Palm Springs, CA; her brother-in-law, Prince Anderson (Margie) of McGregor, TX, and sister-in-laws, Georgia Holland and Martha Gray of Dallas, TX, and Gloria Morgan of McGregor, TX. She also leaves behind her beloved goddaughter, Tonja Patterson, and Tonja’s daughter, Khyndal (“Nook-Nook”); her special group of ladies known as “Ladies Night Out”; Holland’s Quarter Offspring Club; her dear friend, Mrs. Carolyn White; and Mr. Warren and Cynthia Seay, who affectionately considered her a grandmother to the Seay children. Additionally, she leaves cherished memories with Pastor Emeritus Walker, Pastor Markus T. Sallie, and the entire membership of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church of Dallas.

Her legacy of love, service, and dedication will forever remain in our hearts.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Lessie V. Anderson, please visit our floral store.