Levi Sullivan Anderson

August 27, 1951 – February 10, 2023

Levi Sullivan Anderson of Dorchester, SC departed this world on February 10, 2023 peacefully in his sleep at home with his family. Levi – born August 27, 1951 – was the oldest child of John Sullivan Anderson — a U.S. Army Staff Sergeant and Marriott chef — and Jeannette Eva Kinney Waddy Anderson — a Marriott waitress, stay-at-home mother, and dental office assistant. Levi and his five siblings were born and raised in Washington, DC, which is the primary reason for his love of all things Washington — especially its football team.

Spirituality was extremely important to Levi’s family. He was a member of Calvary Episcopal Church in Washington, DC. Levi later attended St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Summerville, SC.

Educated in DC’s public school system, Levi graduated from Eastern High School and attended Federal City College (now the University of DC). He had a strong work ethic and chose to leave college early for a career with GEICO’s corporate headquarters in Chevy Chase, MD.

Levi quickly worked his way up the ladder at GEICO as the company placed him on their management track. It was during this time that his aunt introduced him to Valeria Theresa Harrison, a young lady who had recently moved from South Carolina to DC for a marketing job with Southern Railway (now Norfolk Southern). Six months later, he proposed and after another six months, they married at his family’s church. He said he wanted to be married on August 26, 1978 because, that way, he would be a married man on his birthday, the following day.

Levi and his wife enjoyed their child-free marriage for several years before deciding to start a family. Val became a stay-at-home mother after their first daughter’s birth in 1982. They welcomed a second daughter in 1985. However, shortly before the birth of their third daughter in 1986, Levi suffered a severe stroke, paralyzing him on the right side of his body.

At the time, Levi had returned to college to earn his bachelor’s degree and had also been promoted to a Claims Supervisor position at GEICO. He was one of the first to arrive at work every day and one of the last to leave at night. The stroke changed his life. He had to learn to walk, write, and drive again. The man who was always ready to lead the conga line at parties now walked with a limp. The stroke caused severe brain damage and forced Levi to retire early from a career he loved. In order to best maintain his health and that of his family’s, he and his wife decided to leave Washington, DC for the more relaxed pace of rural South Carolina.

Upon moving his family to South Carolina, Levi began volunteering with the Dorchester County Department of Social Services and won several awards for his efforts and dedication during his time there. He enjoyed golfing trips with his lifelong friends, rooting for the Washington Redskins (now Commanders), and traveling to DC as often as possible to visit his loved ones.

In 1999, Levi suffered a second severe stroke that further restricted his mental and physical abilities. Despite the unfortunate turn of events, Levi remained positive and enjoyed spending time with his family and friends for another 23 years.

Levi leaves behind his wife of 44 years, Valeria “Val” Harrison Anderson (Dorchester, SC); three daughters: Alaina T. Anderson (Dorchester, SC), Lea S. Anderson (New York, NY), and Dale N. Anderson-Lee (Brooklyn, NY); one son-in-law, Mikal A. Lee (Brooklyn, NY); his mother-in-law, Carolyn Nance Harrison (Dorchester, SC); one sister, Janet L. Anderson (Washington, DC); three brothers: Lloyd G. Anderson (Lanham, MD), Byron L. Anderson (Washington, DC), and Keith L. Anderson (Bowie, MD); one brother-in-law, Donald O. Harrison (Dorchester, SC); five sisters-in-law: Sandra Waddy, Linda Anderson, Judy Anderson, Bettye Anderson, and Nancy Harrison; and a host of other family and friends, specifically Craig “Skip” Wright, John Hayden, and Brian “Tim” McCall. Last but not least, he leaves behind his loyal and loving dog, Piper.

Levi will be greatly missed. His final resting place will be at Fort Lincoln Cemetery in Brentwood, MD – the same location as his parents. The procession before his graveside service will begin at the cemetery at 10:45 a.m. on Sunday, February 19, 2023. In lieu of flowers and gifts, the family asks that you donate to the Building Fund at Calvary Episcopal Church via their website: https://calvarydc.net/donate/