DOTHAN, Ala(BNc) – Dr. Mark Turner, Minister of the Christian Home Church of Christ, Newton, AL has written the following tribute to one of their members, Novella Anderson.
Novella Anderson was a devoted Christian. She was the wife of minister Barry Anderson for 69 years. She was a wonderful and loving mother to her sons, Robert Anderson, now deceased, David, Jody, and her devoted daughter, Patricia King. She was a grandmother and great-grandmother.
Novella was born on August 27,1924 and lived 97 years on this earth until October 18, 2021. We can only imagine all of the astounding changes in our world that she witnessed in her lifetime.
As long as have I known Novella, I found her to always be the same lady. She was happy and maintained a beautiful calm grace and a quiet Christian confidence that encouraged me very much. She carried herself with the strength and dignity of someone that you knew had spent a lot of time with Jesus and the Word of God.
Sister Anderson was one of a kind. If you knew her, then you know what I mean. Novella was enthusiastic about sharing the faith recently with a young man heading off to college. She made sure that he was given a sermon preached by Marshall Keeble, and she was one of the first to offer study material to a new convert.
Novella maintained a passion for the salvation of her family and neighbors. She was a very good Bible student and the perfect compliment and match for her husband. Novella helped him build his ministry into a powerful force for good. Together their ministry included Barry preaching in 14 states and 3 foreign countries.
Novella loved Christian education and supported Barry as he taught at Mars Hill Bible School. He was a founder in establishing the International Bible College (now Heritage Christian University), Florence, Alabama. Barry was successful in large part simply because of the love and support which he received from Novella.
From the Diana Singing, to ladies classes, and many fund raising activities for Christian education, Novella was deeply involved and interested in every good work. She was a walking encyclopedia of church history.
After the death of Barry, Novella was enriched by the daily interaction and care that she received from her daughter, Patricia, and her husband, Sam. The mother and daughter bond of love was seen by all that knew them. She thrived with the care and attention which she was given by Patricia. A great joy in her life was her beautiful baby granddaughter Alyssa. She is the daughter of her son Jody and his wife Tina. It was wonderful to see the love that she had for her granddaughter. Truly her happiness and pride in the baby was a beautiful thing to behold. The difference in their age was well over 90 years, yet she built a lifetime of memories with her. Her love can reverberate to her granddaughter. Novella gave her pure love and offered fervent prayers for the time she shared with her granddaughter for the last 3 1/2 years since her birth.
We are so thankful that our sister has laid down her earthly burdens and now rests in the comfort of our savior.
Rev 14:13 And I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” “Blessed indeed,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them!”
There are so many people today who could testify of Novella Anderson’s faith, dignity, and godliness. Her legacy and impact will be felt for many generations to come if the earth shall stand.
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