Virginia Gayle Anderson

She was predeceased by her favorite son-in-law, Stephen Wilson Carriker of Locust, NC, with whom she used to enjoy a "war of the wits". She was also preceded in death by both of her cousins, Gordon Donald Gayle and Jane Gayle Brigl, with whom she enjoyed a tremendous kinship. Virginia was the only child of Howard Louis and Virginia Gayle Smith of Louisville, KY, where she was born and raised.

Despite being raised during the Depression, Virginia developed a taste for the finer things in life. Throughout the years, she grew mint and kept silver Julep cups for an annual Derby Day celebration.

Studying from the age of three, Virginia was an accomplished ballerina which in her words, “was my first love”. She had a scholarship at the School of American Ballet in New York City with Russian choreographer, George Balanchine.

After the United States became involved in World War II, Virginia became a Civil Air Patrol (CAP) Pilot. She also earned her BS in Music at the University of Illinois at Champaign in 1945, then went back to New York as a script editor at ABC in the famous RCA building. In 1947, she returned to school earning her Master’s in Music, from the University of Arizona at Tucson.

Virginia continued her involvement in the CAP and took a Flight Instructor’s course. This enabled her to obtain a job as a Link Instructor at Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi. In 1954 she married a Cadet at the base, Roger Anderson, at Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church in Columbus, Mississippi.

After 20 years of service in the Air Force, Roger and Virginia Gayle moved their family to the Highpoint Community of Belton, SC in 1974. Her husband continued his military service as the Air Force Junior ROTC Instructor at Belton-Honea Path High School. In later years, they moved their home to Williamston, SC. For the past 10 years, they have lived in Charlotte, NC, to be close to their daughter and son-in-law.

As a long-time resident of Anderson County, Virginia enjoyed membership in the Belton Music Club, Honea Path Ladies League, Williamston Garden Club, and Anderson Chorale.

Virginia was also a devoted member of Grace Episcopal Church in Anderson, SC; in later years, Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Greenville, SC; and finally, Saint Michael’s Anglican Church in Matthews, NC.

She is survived by her loving husband of 67 years, Roger Neal Anderson, Sr. of Charlotte, NC; her daughter, Lynn Gayle Anderson Carriker of Locust, NC; her son Roger Neal “Andy” Anderson, Jr. (Lori) of Avon, IN; and her son Lee Sanford Anderson (Nicole)of Goose Creek, SC.

She is also survived by her grandchildren Allison Anderson Vandenberg (Matthew) of Austin, TX; J. Kyle Anderson (Kimberley) of Derby, KS; J. Brett Anderson (Holly) of Derby, KS; Trevor Anderson (Ashley) of Fort Worth, TX; Sydney Anderson of Provo, UT; and Trentin Anderson of Memphis, TN. In addition, she had 6 great-grandchildren.

Her family wishes to thank the ICU Nurses at Atrium Mercy Hospital for all the loving care she received, particularly during her final days. A huge thank you to the Staff of Cadence Senior Living at Mint Hill – Rhema, Marvin, Elizabeth, Leah, and all the others…. She loved all y’all and we are so grateful!

Online condolences may be offered at www.mcewenminthillchapel.com.