Date of Service:
December 06, 2024
Date of Interment:
December 06, 2024
Let the family know you care by sharing this tribute.
Marilyn Cato Anderson, 83, passed away peacefully on November 26, 2024, surrounded by her loving family at her home in Vero Beach, Florida.
She was born and raised in Vero Beach, graduating from Vero Beach High School in 1959. She attended North Park College in Chicago, Illinois, graduating with a degree in English and Education. In her professional life, she worked as an educator in the public school system before serving as a Case Manager for Council on Aging in Vero Beach.
Marilyn was a devout Christian whose unwavering faith and love for Christ shaped her life and her family. Her family served in ministry with the Evangelical Covenant Church in California, Kansas and Nebraska before returning home to Vero Beach in 1989. Once home, Marilyn dedicated herself to First Methodist Church actively volunteering in the church choir, playing piano for her Sunday school class, and singing with the “Sonshine Singers” which is part of Operation Love Your Neighbor (OLYN). OLYN was dear to Marilyn’s heart as it provided many outreach opportunities in the community including feeding the homeless.
Marilyn is survived by her children Carrie Thornton (Todd), Juliana Anderson (Bill), Christopher Anderson (Melodie). Her grandchildren Alex Thornton, Zach Thornton, Ava Anderson, John Anderson and MANY “grand dogs”. She is also survived by sisters Janice Johnson and Susan Humanes (Otis), both of Vero Beach plus numerous nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her parents Ivey and Madie Lee Cato and her sister Wanda Asafaylo.
Her Celebration of Life service will be held at First Methodist Church of Vero on Friday, December 6, 2024, at 11am. Light refreshments will be served immediately following.
Memorial contributions may be made to First Methodist Church of Vero/OLYN Food Ministry. Address: 1750 20th St. Vero Beach, FL 32960
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
© 2024 Lowther Funeral Home. All Rights Reserved.
Mary Melfi - Friend
November 27, 2024, 7:02 pm
Carrie, I am sorry for your loss. ‘Those that love the Lord never see each other for the last time’. She was a beautiful woman and now, healed & whole. Love you & Todd. Mary & Larry Melfi
Tom and Ann Pearrow - Friend
November 27, 2024, 7:05 pm
Dear Carrie and Family, We are so sorry for your loss. Your precious mother has passed down a beautiful legacy of love and devotion as shown by the way you all cared for her with such tenderness as she transitioned from this world to the next. May God grant you peace and consolation during this difficult time.
Ann Butenas - Friend
November 27, 2024, 7:44 pm
Growing up at Hillcrest Covenant Church, I remember Marilyn fondly. She was always so pleasant and kind. She was a true representation of what it means to live a Christ-like life. May her family be surrounded by His love and embrace during this difficult time.
Lisa Smith - Friend
November 29, 2024, 12:49 am
I’m so very surprised and sorry to hear of your mom’s passing! We communicate via FB and she sent me many kind messages through the years. She was a pretty and gracious woman, with musical talents and a love of Jesus. May you all be comforted by the memories you hold dear! You are in my prayers.
Rozena Huizinga - Friend, Pairs & Spares Sunday School & First Methodist Church
November 29, 2024, 12:35 pm
Your Mom will be missed. A lovely lady. Peace & comfort to all the family. God Bless.
Pamela and Tim Rubash - Friend
November 29, 2024, 2:43 pm
Dear Carrie and family, how hard it must have been to say “goodbye for now” to your sweet mama. Your mom was beautiful, kind and so honoring to Jesus in her passion to serve. I have many memories of her smile and soft southern ways as we would visit in each others homes. Hugs to you, Todd, Alex, Zach and Julianna. Marilyn is making music with the angels.
Bob Grice - Friend
November 30, 2024, 1:21 am
Marilyn was always the kindest person from elementary school through high school, I’ll always remember her as a very special person and classmate. May she rest in peace!
Gloria Sal - Friend
December 1, 2024, 6:36 pm
Marilyn was a neighbor and good friend. Being born in Vero we shared a lot of memories of people we knew. I will miss going over and talking with her
Joyce Cleland - Friend
December 1, 2024, 11:34 pm
Marilyn was such a sweet, loving person and a dear friend. I will miss her so much and will always remember our times together in Bible Study classes, Sunday School, and church services, and at OLYN functions. we were “book buddies” and both of us enjoyed reading and sharing our books. She will be sorely missed. She was so well loved.