Sharon Lynn Anderson

October 11, 1944 - June 15, 2023

Sharon Lynn Anderson, age 78, passed away on June 15, 2023, in Clermont, Florida. She was born on October 11, 1944, in the French Hospital, Los Angeles, California (CA), to her parents Lester Johnson and Beulah Hanson. Sharon is the cherished wife and eternal companion of James Willden Anderson. Sharon is also the devoted mother, grandmother, and great grandmother (also affectionately known as Nana) of:

Children:

· Timothy J. Anderson (wife Holly A. Anderson)

· Sharilyn Eads (husband Blaine Eads)

Grandchildren:

· Justin Gregory Ortez

· Colton Robert Ortez

· Cameron James Ortez

· Evaine Angelica Anderson

· Timothy James Anderson II

· Ariana Isobel Anderson

Great Grandchildren:

· Naomi Rene Ortez

Sharon developed a love of photography and journalism in the Franklin High School Press (receiving an award in 1962), which she pursued throughout her life to include: the Annual Anderson Family Journal (57 issues/years), her personal journal, and her immense library of photographs documenting her beloved family, friends, and genealogical pursuits. Sharon graduated from Franklin High School in 1962. Sharon was very athletic and excelled in sports. She was competitive and lettered in tennis and badminton. She won numerous competitions, even going on to win All City Tennis Champion. She was also involved in the Girl Scouts of America and enjoyed her opportunities to be outdoors and gain skills. Sharon earned her Associates In Arts Degree in 1965 from the Los Angeles City College, California, where she continued to competitively play her favorite sports.

Even at a young age Sharon had a deep love of her Savior Jesus Christ. She was active as a youth and teen in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. She enjoyed being in the Church Mutual Improvement Association, the many Church dances and activities and graduated from Seminary (4 years) in 1962.

In 1960 Sharon met James Willden Anderson at seminary while attending Franklin High School, which began their life long love affair. They were married and Sealed for time and all eternity in the Los Angeles Temple on January 31, 1965. Sharon enjoyed being active and especially loved the outdoors: camping in the mountains, at the beach and desert;

hiking, backpacking, and fishing. She went on many outdoor adventures with James prior to her children being born…then she helped instill that same joy in her children.

Sharon worked at various times in her life to include: the Department of Parks and Recreations, San Dimas, CA, a medical receptionist for the San Jose Medical, Morgan Hill, CA. She was a hard working and dedicated employee who was regularly recognized and received numerous awards for her outstanding performance and contributions. She truly enjoyed the associations with her co-workers and patients.

While Sharon enjoyed and excelled at her academic, sports, and professional pursuits, she was absolutely devoted to her Savior Jesus Christ and ensuring her family had a deep and abiding faith in the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ. She served her Savior and ministered to others by fulfilling a variety of calling to include Seminary Teacher, Cub Scout Den Mother, Primary President, Young Women's President, and Relief Society President. Sharon also served alongside her husband as a Temple Worker in the Sacramento and San Diego Temples. She was also able to fulfill her lifelong dream of serving a full time Mission with her beloved husband/eternal companion in the Washington DC North working at the National Archives (June 2012 to Dec 2013). While serving her Mission she was able to enjoy the fellowship of those she served with, expand her love of preserving genealogical records, and enjoy the history of the Washington DC area.

Sharon also had a love of history and she would combine her love of exploring/travelling to further her knowledge, explore family genealogy, and enrich the lives of her family. Frequently, this also included visiting historical sites and graveyards to find a lost relative. It did not matter if the relatives were living or deceased, she wanted to find and include everyone. Her love of family and children prompted her to foster many children over the years from a variety of diverse backgrounds.

Sharon was admired for her kindness, humor, and caring nature. She was a strong and valiant woman who loved everyone she met. She welcomed all and always sought to encourage the best in them…even those who were rough around the edges. She made life long friends wherever she went and could be constantly found keeping in contact with all the people she loved.

Sharon had a smile that would light up the room and she would sit for hours getting to know people and their life stories. She truly lived the Savior's admonition to "Love one another, as I have loved you." Her ability to love was shown through her service and the little acts of kindness and encouragement she would give through phone calls, letters, note, emails, etc. Sharon was absolutely devoted to her husband and her family and her life is a tribute to her testimony and faith in Jesus Christ.

Sharon is survived by her husband James, her loving children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and her brother Robert Lee Johnson. She is preceded in death by her parents Lester Louis Johnson, Beulah Hanson, and stepfather John Hanson, and her brothers Wayne Louis Johnson and John Russell Hanson.

Services for Sharon Lynn Anderson will be held Thursday, June 22, 2023:

· Viewing: 9:30am-10:00am

o The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

o 14600 Green Valley Blvd, Clermont, FL 34711

· Memorial Service: 10:00am-10:40am

o The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

o 14600 Green Valley Blvd, Clermont, FL 34711

· Graveside: Immediately following the Memorial Service

o Greenwood Cemetery, City of Groveland

§ 441 S. Main Avenue, Groveland, FL 34736

Sharon lived her life by following the example of the Lord Jesus Christ; "For she loved much" (Luke 7:47). May her love for each of you live in your memories and be a source of peace and comfort. We look forward to the day we see her again in the presence of our Heavenly Father for "We do not doubt, our mother[s], knew it" (Alma 56:48).