Mother Lonnie Bell Anderson

Obituary For Mother Lonnie Bell Anderson

With heavy hearts, the Anderson Family announces the passing of Mother Lonnie Bell Anderson, a beloved matriarch, who peacefully transitioned to her eternal rest on March 4, 2025, in her home in Campbell, Ohio. Born on August 25, 1925, in Clay County, Alabama, Lonnie was the caring daughter of the late Wallace and Viola Simmons. Her journey25 through life led her to the bustling streets of New York, where she encountered her soulmate, Franklin D. Anderson. Together, they created a loving family and, in 1977, set their roots in Ohio.

Mother Lonnie’s heart was woven with threads of service, warmth, and devotion. She dedicated herself to her family and community. Her greatest joy resided in the kitchen, where she provided nourishment and love to those around her. As the steadfast overseer of the kitchen committee at Fellowship Baptist Church, she ensured that every event was a celebration of spirit and togetherness, managing each gathering with grace and precision. She ran a tight ship, especially when it came to special church occasions such the church anniversary or pastoral appreciation. Everything must be accomplished, “decently and in order!”

Mother Lonnie entrusts her leaves remarkable legacy her children: J.C. (Delores) Simmons of Canfield, Ohio; Charles Thomas of New York; Connie Thomas of Youngstown, Ohio; Lela Gibson of Youngstown, Ohio; Christine Simmons of Youngstown, Ohio; Jimmy (Desiree) Simmons of White Plains, New York; and Cheryl Simmons of Youngstown, Ohio.

She will continue to radiate hope through her profound impact which echoes among her fifty-one 51 grandchildren, seventy great-grandchildren, twenty-one great-great-grandchildren, and score of nieces, nephews and cadre of other family members who revered her.

Now that Mother Lonnie’s faith became sight, she has been reunited in eternity at the ancestral table with her beloved parents, cherished husband, Franklin D. Anderson, sons Alonzo Wade Anderson, Willie Oscar Simmons, six siblings and four grandsons.

In this time of sorrow, let us reflect on the beautiful memories that Lonnie has left behind, and may we carry her spirit forward in our hearts, forever honoring her legacy. In honor of Lonnie’s rich life and enduring spirit, a public viewing will be held at the Jaylex Event Center, 2110 Glenwood Ave, on Wednesday March 19, 2025, at 10:00 AM, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 AM with Pastor Emmauel Adams presiding. After the committal ceremony, Mother Lonnie will be interred at her final resting place in Belmont Park Cemetery.

At this time of intimate need and personal loss, the beloved family of Mother Lonnie Bell Anderson elected to entrust the Ministry of Comfort & Care, along with Transitional After-Care Arrangements to the J. E. Washington Funeral Services, 2234 Glenwood Avenue, Youngstown, Ohio, 330.782.8500.

The Strength Of One Woman
By Glorimar Fontanez

She played a different role in all our
lives: a mother, a sister, and a
grandmother. No matter, what the love
we have for her is one. Ask anyone,
they'll tell you the same; she brought
us joy when we had pain. The strength
and love of one women held all of us
together even more now then ever. She
isn't physically here, but we still
feel her near in every step we take
and every move we make. What she's
giving to us no one can ever replace.

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