Vickie Marlene Johnston Anderson
On April 28, 2021 Vickie Marlene Johnston Anderson went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ after an incredibly brave and lengthy battle with Covid.
Vickie was born on February 12, 1952 in Roanoke, Virginia. She was the daughter of the late Eldridge Kendell Johnston and Rathma Lee Frazier Johnston of Blue Ridge, Virginia. She was the epitome of kindness and gentleness and was loved dearly by her family, friends, and many others whose lives she touched throughout her life. Vickie grew up in Roanoke and was a graduate of William Fleming High School. She attended Virginia Western Community College and worked briefly at Parts Depot until her first child was born. Vickie was made to be a mother. Her three children were blessed to have her as a stay at home mom throughout their school years. She also was like a mother to many other children whom she babysat. She made everyone who came into her home feel welcome including family and friends but especially her children’s friends. Her home was always the gathering place.
Cooking and baking were Vickie’s love language. She had the ability to create delicious meals with whatever was in her pantry. She loved to make meals for everyone and especially enjoyed hosting holiday gatherings at her home. She was a wonderful gift giver. She was always carefully observant of what others enjoyed and loved to surprise them with just the right special something. Vickie absolutely loved to garden, watch birds in her backyard, and spend time on her screened in porch.
Vickie raised her children in the Glenvar area and spent much of her time attending her children’s many activities, most notably spending time on the baseball and softball fields. She was a member of Fort Lewis Baptist Church and also was a preschool teacher there for many years. She has loved on many families throughout her time in ministry and was an amazing witness in living out her Faith.
The last sixteen years of her life were spent as the most loving and amazing Mimi to all eight of her grandchildren. The relationship and connection she had with each of them will leave a lasting impression on their lives. They are her legacy and the seeds of kindness, generosity, and Faith will live on throughout many generations.
In addition to her parents, Vickie was preceded in death by her brother, Ronald Lee Johnston. She is survived by her brother David Kendell Johnston and wife Debbie (Daleville, VA). Children: Denyse Anderson Oeltjenbruns (Garner, NC), Jason Anderson and wife Kari (Orlando, FL), Renae Anderson Keffer and husband Kendall (Salem, VA). Grandchildren: Evan and Lauren Oeltjenbruns; Jeremy and Drew Anderson; Grant, Ben, Elizabeth, and Nate Keffer.
In lieu of flowers and gifts the family asks that you consider getting your covid vaccination in Vickie’s memory or contribute in her name to the Salem/Roanoke County Food Pantry.
A memorial service will be held at Lotz Funeral Home in Salem on Thursday, May 6th at 11:00am.
