Carmen T Anderson

Carmen Trineece Muckleroy was born March 19, 1972 to Gayle Muckleroy and Thad Spencer. At the age of 2, she was brought into the loving home of her Maternal Aunt Evelyn Anderson and Uncle W.R Anderson, and they became legal guardians of Carmen and changed her last name to Anderson. An energetic child, Carmen’s humor was apparent almost immediately, as she easily made everyone around her laugh. When she began taking piano lessons, it fostered a love of music that would last her entire life.

Carmen attended Applegate Elementary and Ockley Green Middle School. During her younger years she was a member of Mt Olivet Baptist Church Sunday school, where she was popular and participated in every activity she could. Carmen attended Jefferson High School and later received her G.E.D.

Carmen’s greatest joy was being a mother. She lovingly nurtured her children Daric Anderson and Mae-Gale Anderson. Carmen was a force to be reckoned with as she challenged the school system to ensure that Daric, who is autistic, received the best education and services. A blessing received as he now lives and works in the community.

Carmen wanted to leave a legacy of excellence to her children and made the decision to continue her education. She entered PCC in 2002, finishing with an Associate’s Degree. Carmen went on to attend Portland State University where she obtained a Bachelor’s Degree of Arts in Social Science. She did not stop there, as she also obtained her Masters Degree of Arts in Educational Leadership and Policy with a specialization in Post Secondary Adult and Continuing Education in 2010. Carmen’s presence was surely felt at Portland State when she became a Student Ambassador. Carmen won numerous awards and was also a McNair Scholar.

Carmen was diagnosed with cancer in 2008. She met this challenge head on and fought the disease with fierce courage. She never gave up, even completing much of her education during this time. Carmen always wanted to perform comedy and used her disease as a platform to not only educate others, but inspire them that even through tragedy, there is greatness. “Hellooooo Cancer”, was “a nearly one woman show” written and performed by Carmen that showcased her perseverance and resolve. In addition, Carmen also took the local comedy scene by storm and performed stand up whenever she could. There were many benefits held in her honor, of which Carmen was deeply grateful.

Carmen is survived by her children, Daric and Mae-Gayle, parents W.R. and Evelyn Anderson, brother Steven Anderson, half siblings from the Spencer Family, grandmother Virginia Camp, Aunt Barbara Rosser, Long Time Companion Greg Taylor, Best Friend Derric McDaniel, close cousins Damon and Marcus Cunningham, Tracie Green and devoted friend Ashley Cunningham. She was preceded in death by grandmother Ida Mae Henderson, mother Gayle Muckleroy, and Aunt Pamela Cunningham. Carmen was a blessing and inspiration to other and she will be greatly missed, however, the memories of her will last forever.