Leora Elizabeth Anderson

Leora Elizabeth Anderson was born on September 12th in Springer, Oklahoma, to the late Perry Cohee and Mary McGee Cohee. Her maternal grandparents were Wade McGee and Lydia Jackson McGee, and her paternal grandparents were Lafayette Cohee and Sally Cohee. Elizabeth grew up in Springer alongside her parents and her four siblings: Francis ("Pig"), RC, Annette, and Hurley ("Sambo"), surrounded by a loving extended family of cousins, aunts, and uncles. She spent her childhood joyfully exploring and navigating the family’s land, cherishing the freedom and beauty of her upbringing.

Elizabeth graduated from Central High School in Woodford Oklahoma and shortly thereafter married the love of her life, Maceo Anderson. Their union was blessed with three children: Perry, Neta Faye, and Lawanda. Elizabeth settled into married life with dedication, raising her children with love and grace. She joined Calvary Baptist Church before becoming a loyal and active member of First Baptist Church, where she remained for the rest of her life.

Elizabeth began her professional journey working for Ardmore Public Schools and later flourished as a Biochemistry Technician at the Noble Foundation, where she retired after years of dedicated service. Even in retirement, she stayed active by working at The Barklee Collection alongside her dear friend, the late Barbara Simon.

Elizabeth had a servant’s heart and was deeply committed to her community. She served as the president of the First Baptist Church ushers for over 55 years, and even after stepping down, she continued to offer guidance and advice to the ushers in her district. She was also an active member of the First Baptist Church Mission and coordinated the local Loaves and Fishes program, helping to feed those in need. Elizabeth served with pride and honor as president of the Chickasaw District for over 30 years and volunteered for various organizations throughout her community.

In her spare time, Elizabeth had a passion for word puzzles, often completing up to 500 puzzles in a single month. As the self-proclaimed family historian, she was a treasure trove of information, able to recount the lives and stories of family members from generations past. Her role as the treasurer for Hickory Cemetery was another point of pride; she diligently collected and raised funds for the cemetery’s upkeep and enjoyed making her yearly calls to loved ones for donations.

She was a woman of boundless love and generosity. One of her greatest joys was shopping. She had a passion for finding the best sales, delighting in purchasing items for her grandchildren, and for those in need in the community.

As a little girl, her father lovingly gave her the nickname ‘Monkey’. He would often say, ‘You are as cute and playful as a little monkey’, a sentiment that reflected the special bond they shared. Throughout her life she was affectionately known as Monkey a nickname she embraced with love.

Preceding Elizabeth in death were her maternal and paternal grandparents, her parents, her siblings Juanita, Francis, RC, and Hurley, her husband Maceo, her son Perry, and her daughter Lawanda.

She leaves behind her beloved daughter Neta Faye Anderson, one sister Annette Tally (New Jersey) Three grandsons Kydric Knox, Michael Benjamin (Trudy), and Jeffrey Anderson; one granddaughter Kiraha Knox, two bonus grandchildren: Stephanie Jefferson (David) and Warren McGee; 19 great-grandchildren; 15 great-great-grandchildren; four sisters-in-law: Lanessa "Ann" Scott (Barry), Georgia Johnson (John), Betty Banks, and Mittie May Culp; one brother-in-law Delbert Hamilton (Sheila); one aunt Lorece Wilson; 1 honorary son T.C Varner (Dorothy) and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

She shared a special bond with her niece Pat Cohee whom she called “The Community Angel” and her cousin Freda Cohee and Gloria Pickens whom she loved dearly. 

She was blessed with one honorary grandson, Trevor Nail, who was always there when she needed him. Whether it was helping with a task or simply offering support, he truly embodied the meaning of ‘love thy neighbor.’ showing her unwavering care and kindness.

Elizabeth was a beacon of love and warmth. She was not only "Mama" and "Granny" to her immediate family but also affectionately known as "Mama Monkey," "Aunt Monkey," "Cousin Monkey," and "Granny" to many others. Her legacy of love, service, and dedication will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.