Marilyn J. Anderson

I was born on August 16, 1932, to Ogreitta and John H. Shoecraft. My mother affectionately called me her “pet,” and soon my childhood friends turned that nickname into “Pat.” I attended Stickney, Roosevelt, and Gunckel Elementary Schools and Libbey High School. Later, I became the first African-American student accepted into Harriet Whitney High School to complete the full course in Office Practice, where I proudly graduated. My mentor, Attorney J.B. Simmons, guided me as I served as his legal secretary after graduation during the time he became the first African-American City Councilman in Toledo, Ohio. In 1950, I married Raymond Cooper, and from that union came five children. Although our marriage ended in 1958, in 1961 I was blessed with my soulmate and the love of my life, Christopher Anderson. We married and moved our family to Los Angeles, California, where my husband worked as a contractor in the building trade. Early on, he opened his own contracting business and later purchased several investment properties in the Greater Los Angeles area, for which I assisted in managing the bookkeeping. Our loving and happy marriage continued until death parted us in 1981. My career began in 1950 at The Rossford Ordnance Depot, a U.S. military distribution center in Rossford, Ohio. I later continued my federal service in Los Angeles with the United States Air Force and the Social Security Administration. Throughout my 31 years of federal service, I received numerous awards and promotions—including a commendation from the FBI for my assistance in fraud investigations against the U.S. government. I retired from the Social Security Administration as a Social Insurance Representative and Trainer in 1986. After enjoying several years of travel, I returned to work for the Los Angeles Department of Social Services as an Eligibility Caseworker. Within a year, I was promoted to the GAIN Program (Greater Avenues for Independence) — a pioneering welfare-to-work initiative. There, I helped train and guided countless individuals toward self-sufficiency. I retired for the second time in 2004 after 131⁄2 years of service. Raised, baptized, and married at The Historic Warren AME Church, I remained connected to my faith and my church family throughout my life. After relocating back to Toledo in 2004, I rejoined as an active member, serving on the Missionary Board (now the Lillian E. Mitchell Society) and singing joyfully with the Inspirational Choir. Throughout my years, I earned several professional certifications, graduated from Davis Business College, and received many honors for my work. But beyond my dedication to my career and family, I found joy in traveling the world, cruising, casinos, laughter, and joyous moments in giving wherever there was a need. I was blessed with a faithful companion who preceded me in death, William “Billy” Walker, who shared in my travel adventures and brought love and laughter into my later years. My faith in God Almighty has never wavered. He has given me a rich and blessed life—one filled with love, family, and purpose. I have no regrets. I have left nothing undone, and I have loved deeply and unconditionally. God has sustained me, strengthened me, and allowed me to stay grounded through all phases of life, and it is to Him that I owe all honor, glory, and praise. Family and Legacy: I was preceded in death by my devoted husband Christopher Anderson, parents John and Ogreitta Shoecraft, brothers Joseph Gans, John Shoecraft, Jr., and Charles Shoecraft, and my sisters Dolores Thomas, Carolyn Mitchell, and Dr. Verna Adams. My sisters who preceded me in death meant the world to me. The four of us were linked like chains, bound by a love and friendship that could not be shaken. And my little brother Mayo—he was the sail on the boat that carried us. I was also preceded in death by my son Raymond Cooper, Jr.; my daughters Celena Rhodes and Debra Cooper; and my granddaughter Diesha Quattlebaum. I leave to cherish my love and memory, my daughter, Linda Dancy Cooper, and my son, Ronald Cooper; my grandchildren: Lanette Gass (Lorenzo), Kimberly Wright, Tony Dancy Jr. (Tamisha), Ronald Cooper Jr., Christopher Cooper (Melissa), Derrick Cooper (Latisha), Xavier Cooper, Raymond Jr. Cooper, Reginald Cooper, Tiyon Cooper. Also left to treasure my memory are a host of great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends, along with my special caregiver, Nancy Clark, who provided love, comfort, and companionship.

Marilyn J. Anderson

August 16, 1932 - October 23, 2025