Alma (Sally) Norton Anderson passed away at her home in Athens, Tennessee on Thursday, September 26th, 2024. She was born in Apalachicola, Florida on December 13, 1929. On her 7th birthday she moved with her family to South America where her father was employed by Standard Oil Company. She always had stories to share about her childhood adventures. She returned to the states in 1943 to attend high school at Brenau Academy in Gainesville, Georgia.

In 1947 she enrolled in Florida State University and graduated with a degree in math and was a member of Alpha Chi Omega sorority. In November, 1951 she married Ralph Anderson and moved to Athens in 1962. She was an active member of Mars Hill Presbyterian for 62 years. She also was a member of Kanunsita Garden Club and Springbrook Golf Club. While serving on the board for the United Way, Sally received The James Willson Award (in recognition of her service). In addition she served her community by delivering Meals on Wheels. Gardening was a passion that she shared with both children and grandchildren.

Sally was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She and Ralph had lifelong connections to Apalachicola and Indian Pass Beach. In retirement, they enjoyed reconnecting with old friends through golf and fishing. She especially enjoyed watching beach sunsets with children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren from the porch swing.

She was preceded in death by her husband Ralph Anderson, her parents Paul and Alma Norton, and infant daughter Constance Ann.

Survivors include her three children, Debbie (Rob) Mayfield of Athens, TN; Cindy (Mike) Baker of Knoxville, TN; and Leigh (Bill) Lones of Atlanta, GA; grandchildren include Andy (Jennifer) Mayfield, Athens, TN; Tim (Maggie) Mayfield, Missoula, MT; Will and Elizabeth Baker, Knoxville, Tn; and Hannah Lones (Taylor) Portschy and Garrett Lones, Atlanta, GA; and 4 great grandchildren.

A private family burial will be held at Cedar Grove Cemetery on Sunday, September 29 with grandchildren serving as pallbearers. At 2:00 a memorial service will be held at Mars Hill Presbyterian Church. The family will receive friends in the church fellowship hall immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials be made to Mars Hill Presbyterian Church 205 N. Jackson Street, Athens Tennessee 37303 or a charity of your choice. The family would like to express special thanks for the devoted care their mother received from Anna McPhail, Heather Smith, Krystal Rogers, Betty Hardy other Golden Touch staff and staff of Hospice of Chattanooga. Smith Funeral & Cremation Services of Athens is honored to serve the family of Alma (Sally) Norton Anderson.