Shirley Anderson

Shirley Hand Anderson of St. Johns, Arizona, passed away peacefully, Thursday, November 6, 2025 in Chandler, Arizona. She was 91 years old and had recently celebrated her birthday surrounded by her loved ones. Shirley was born September 29, 1934 in Brunswick, Georgia, the third of eight children born to Larstin Hand and Ouida Woodard. Shirley cherished her siblings and loved them dearly.

Most of Shirley’s youth was spent in West Palm Beach, Florida, where she met the love of her life, Albert Sherwood Anderson, who was stationed at Palm Beach Air Force Base. The two were married on July 28, 1956 beginning a lifelong partnership filled with love and devotion.

Shirley poured her heart into creating a warm and welcoming home. Her greatest joy was her family. She was a fiercely protective mother who loved her children unconditionally. She also enjoyed being a grandmother to 20 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

Although Florida always held a special place in her heart, Shirley made St. Johns her home. She fully immersed herself in the community and built lifelong friendships there.

Shirley is survived by her children, Robert Sherwood (Lisa) Anderson, Steven Carl Anderson, Thomas Albert (Donna) Anderson, Lisa Victoria Anderson, Jeffery Charles (Karen) Anderson and Shayla Joy (Chris) Taylor and her siblings, Relda Joy Gray, Larstin “Buddy” Hand, Jr. and Jeffrey Lynn Hand.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Albert Sherwood Anderson and several cherished family members who welcomed her home with open arms.

A funeral services will be held Friday, November 14, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Satins, St. Johns downtown building, 35 W Cleveland St, St Johns, Arizona 85936, with visitation one hour prior. Interment will follow the services at the St. Johns Westside Cemetery.

To join a zoom meeting:

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