Jonnie Eileen Sayre Anderson

18 September 1915  - 27 September 2002

     Eileen Sayre Anderson, 87, of Parkersburg, died     peacefully in her sleep on September 27, 2002, at St. Joseph's Hospital. She was born September 18, 1915 in Longdale, Mason County, West Virginia, the daughter of the late Willmon Arthur and Bertha Kizzar Rickard Sayre.

     Eileen graduated from Parkersburg High School as well as graduating from Mountain State College. She helped her father and brother run Sayre's Bakery many years ago. She was a secretary, retired from both St. Joseph's Hospital and Analytical Standards, Incorporated as well as being a homemaker and loving mother.

     You may have seen her at the Emmanuel Baptist Church, where she was a member for over 50 years. She taught the youth Sunday School Classes for many years before joining and teaching the Excelsior Class. She served on the Board of Deaconess and organized the World Hunger Fair for many years. Many there know her for the wonderful food she prepared for the sick, for the homeless, for family and friends.                

     Eileen loved to cook. It was by far her favorite past time. She loved to make beautifully decorated cakes and her Christmas cookies were masterpieces! But what she really loved was serving her delights to whomever came by, or whoever was in need.

     She was a member of Alpha Roe and Theta Theta Sorority. She served as President of Theta Theta for over ten years. Thanks to her sorority, Eileen got to travel quite a bit. She visited 49 of the 50 states excluding Alaska in her lifetime, but she always came home to Parkersburg.

     She is survived by her loving family of one son, Frederick Sayre Anderson; one sister Bernice Hawk; one sister-in-law Snowie Sayre all of Parkersburg; eleven nieces and nephews and twenty great nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by five brothers Franklin, Ralph, Dorwin, Clyde and Robert.

     Most of all, Eileen loved Jesus. Those who knew her know how it showed in her life. She was pure, kind, gentle, caring and selfless. She tried to live her life for the Lord and she was always a shining light. Eileen Anderson was our neighbor, our friend and a servant in our community. She is already deeply missed.

     Visitation was om Saturday, September 28, 2002 from 2-4 & 7-9 PM at the Leavitt Funeral Home in Parkersburg, West Virginia.  Services were Sunday,  September 29, 2002 at 3:30 PM and also at the Leavitt Funeral Home with Dr. Kurt Busiek and Rev. David Carpenter officiating and Clare Dent providing the music with the violin.  Burial will follow at the Graham Baptist Cemetery in Mason County, WV.


                                        View her parents the Willmon Arthur Sayre Family Page

                                        View the Jonnie Eileen Sayre Anderson Family Page