Nita "Raye" Queen Anderson

Nita "Raye" Queen Anderson, 88, of Morganton, NC went to her Heavenly home on Tuesday, May 17, 2011 surrounded by her loving family. Born in Burke County, NC on April 14, 1923, she was the daughter of the late William Queen and Ida Deal Queen. Mrs. Anderson was a member of Gibbs Chapel Wesleyan Church where she was active in the Women’s Missionary Society, Senior Citizens Group, and children’s ministries. She also sang in the church choir, and served as the nursery director for many years. She was affectionately known as "Mamaw" to many people in Burke County.Mrs. Anderson is survived by her daughters, Georgia "Doo-dad" Cowan, and Linda Daves and husband, Robert, all of Morganton; grandchildren, Paula Ford and husband, Robbie, Pam Cowan, Rob Daves, and Amanda D. Looney and husband, Brent; four great-grandchildren, Ali, Jake, and Brodie Ford, and Blaze Cowan; and a number of nieces and nephews.In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, George Carl "Bud" Anderson; a daughter, Connie Anderson Bowers; a brother, Ervin Queen; and sisters, Annie Mae Harrison, Mary Anderson, Pearl Beck, and Jane Fortenberry.A graveside service will be held at 4:30 p.m., Thursday, May 19, 2011 at Gibbs Chapel Wesleyan Church Cemetery with the Reverends Brandon Ware and Roger Brackett officiating. Mrs. Anderson will lie in state Thursday, May 19 from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. at Sossoman Funeral Home. The family will receive friends Wednesday from 1:00 until 4:00 p.m. at the residence and following the service on Thursday. Memorial contributions may be made to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, 1721 Enon Road, Valdese, NC 28690. Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.