Corean Melvenia (Gadson) Anderson

Rev. Corean G. Anderson

Minister, Community, and National Activist, Mother Extraordinaire

Reverend Corean Melvenia Gadson Anderson, fourth of 15 children, was born on August 25, 1923, in Salters, SC to Robert and Queen Elizabeth King Gadson.  In February 1942, she married Preston Edwin Anderson and their union was blessed with 15 children, of which four preceded her in death.  She graduated with Cross High School’s Class of 1970 and received a certificate from the Nursing Assistant Program.

As an ordained elder in the AME Church, Rev. Anderson served as an associate minister under several pastors at Jehovah AME Church. She fulfilled her ministry by sharing and witnessing the Gospel of the true and living God. 

For 16 years, she served as president of the Women’s Missionary Society (WMS) at the local level and provided leadership services to the growth and spiritual development.  In her honor, the society was named the “Corean G. Anderson WMS”.  She also served as director of the Young People’s Department, Steward Board, Sunday School Teacher, Sunday School Superintendent, Class Leader, president of the Pulpit Aide, and president of the junior and senior choirs.  At the conference and Seventh Episcopal District levels, she served as the Assistant Recording Secretary of the WMS, Chairperson of the AME Church HEAT POLK RURAL MISSION, and a delegate to the Missionary’s Quadrennial in Washington, DC. 

Rev. Anderson was dedicated to improving education and the quality of life for children and went beyond the call of duty to provide additional services to her community.  She was a member of Cross High School PTSA, the Agricultural Shop, the Advisory Councils for the Home Economics Department, Council for Berkeley County Department of Education, Title I Program, Board Member of the Cross Daycare Center, and the Cross Development Club.

Rev. Anderson was an extraordinary seamstress and known for her ability to design and create beautiful garments freehandedly to include ministerial and choir robes, school uniforms, draperies, and wedding attires.

She was also known for her commitment to improving the overall quality of life through her work and actions in the political, civic, and social actions activities throughout governmental and non-governmental agencies at the local, county, regional, state, and national levels.  Some of her involvement and accomplishments include, but are not limited to, the following:

CIVIL RIGHTS

Deputy Registrar of Voters in Berkeley County
Key Communicator for Berkeley County Department of Education
Berkeley-Dorchester Economic Development Corporation
Advisory Council for the Berkeley-Dorchester Low Income Energy Assistance Program

CIVIC AND SOCIAL ACTION

Trident Literacy Association
Advisory Board for Trident United Way
Board of Directors for Habitat for Humanity
Advisory Board for Clemson Extension in Berkeley County
Tri-County Food Bank Organization
Concerned Citizens Organization of Berkeley County
President of the Women’s Auxiliary of Cross Rural Fire Department
Order of Eastern Star Jehovah Chapter #203 for over 60 years (original organizer of the chapter)
Home Charity Lodge #12 for over 55 years
American Red Cross
District Seven Task Force
Berkeley County Progressive League

NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL

Elected to Board of Directors of Rural America, a non-profit organization that provides rural and small-town residents a stronger voice in the federal government.
Board Member of the Federation of Southern Cooperatives, which represents farmers in the southeastern region as well as throughout the United States
VISTA Volunteer

AWARDS AND SPECIAL RECOGNITION

Governor of South Carolina, Trident United Way, the PAL Health Project Service, the Congress of the United States, Berkeley County Health Care Council, Cross Elementary School, Seventh Episcopal Lay Organization, the General Conference Sunday School Department, and the L.R. Nichols Theological Seminary

One of Rev. Anderson’s last public appearances was at the dedication of the Cross Substation, which was dedicated in her honor.

Rev. Anderson remained faithful and active for the Lord until she received her wings. She lived life according to her favorite scripture, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Phil 4:13).

Beautiful and fond memories of Rev. Anderson will forever be cherished by her children Rev. Georgianna Land, Ph.D.; Pearl A. Greene,  Laura “Maudine”, Preston Robert “Bobby”, Alphonso, Victor, Homer (Gwen), COL (Ret) Nicholas J. Anderson, Ph.D. (Bettie); Miranda A. Broadus, Edwin (Sonia), and Emily “Sametta”; a special granddaughter, Latea Anderson; daughter-in-law, Willa Mae Anderson; 30 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren, and five great-great-grandchildren; sister, Velma Gadson Lebby; sister-in-law, Julie Gadsden; an amazing caretaker, Martha Geathers; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, godchildren, and friends. 

Please Adhere to all COVID-19 precautions and protocols when visiting the family and funeral home. Masks are required. Friends and family call and visit the funeral home. Visit our website www.eutawvillefuneralhome.com

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