of Little Rock, AR
December 23, 1941 - July 30, 2014
On July 30, 2014 Marcia Ann Roney Anderson peacefully departed this life for the next, surrounded by loving family and friends.
Marcia was born December 23, 1941 in Hutcheson, KS, but spent most of her childhood growing up in Okmulgee, Ok. She graduated from Oklahoma City University and received her master's degree in psychology after attending graduate school at the University of Arizona. Marcia then went on to an internship at UAMS before continuing her career in child-psychology with the Child Study Center for the next 30+ years. In the early years of her career, Marcia was part of a team of colleagues at UAMS doing pioneering work with autistic children. Many of the therapies they developed are still part of the regimen prescribed by professionals to this day.
Marcia Anderson touched the lives of many young children during their early stages of their life, which she considered the most critical for behavioral development.
She was also a very dedicated and loving wife, mother, grandmother and extended her love to many others who became part of her life. Marcia had the amazing ability to combine her professional and domestic lives and handle all of it with the perfect blend of efficiency and common sense which made her the ultimate Super-Mom.
Marcia was preceded in death by her husband, Richard Anderson Jr., her parents, Erma and Lyle Roney, and brother, Curtis Roney. She is survived by: her son Richard Anderson III and his wife Kimberly Smith Anderson; son Christopher Anderson and his wife Dawn Fruitticher Anderson; sister Marilyn Schick and her husband Al of Georgetown, TX; and her sister-in-law Monnie Roney of Tulsa, OK. She is also survived by her five beloved grand-children named Sean, Benjamin, Justin, Kaitlyn and Zachary.
Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, August 2, 2014 in the Chapel of Roller-Chenal Funeral Home 13801 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock, Arkansas (501) 224-8300. Burial with follow at Riverwood Memorial Gardens, Maumelle, Arkansas.
I was so sorry to hear of Marcia's death. I worked with her at Child Study Center. Not only was she a great therapist, she was also a great story teller. She regaled us with funny stories when we all sat around a big table at lunch. Of course, many stories were about her sons. She was so proud of them and delighted with her grandchildren. Sincere condolences.
I am so sorry for your loss. Marcia was my Hero. She was my friend, my advisor and most of all, my mentor. If I have done anything for a child with Autism or other special needs, it's only because of the 12 years in UAMS Child Psychiatry/Child Study Center under the watchful eye of Marcia who had the knowledge, the skills, and especially the insight to know how to change behaviors. I have degrees and been to lots of conferences, but why do I understand children with behavioral issues......the only answer is Marcia Anderson....an Amazing Person who helped me know where I wanted to go with my life!! I will always be thankful for Marcia.
Carol Martin Blann
Rick,
I was notified of your mother's passing by one of your co-workers and wanted to extend my most sincere sympathies. My recollections are of you going to have lunch with your mother when we were 'officed' in WLR; you were always thrilled on those occasions and it was evident you had a special bond. Loss of a parent is very hard but know that your mother is now with your father and OUR Father. Continued blessings to you and your family.
Ann Cloyd
We were friends at OCU fifty years ago, where she was President of Alpha Chi Omega sorority, President of Banning Residence Hall, a member of University Choir and selected for Cardinal Key honor society (just to mention a few of her accomplishments there). Many of us had hoped to see her at the 50th Homecoming last Fall, but knew health and distance made that impossibleI. She was smart, fun, and vivacious and remains in our hearts.
My deepest sympathy. I remember the days as kids when we would visit Lyle and Erma and play card games. Marcia always made me laugh. She had a great since of humor.
I am truly sorry for your loss. She must have taken great pleasure in two such fine sons!
My heart pours out to all of you. May you feel Gods comfort and peace. I know how it feels to loose both parents and it's very tough. I pray for you all today and the days to come. Love you all, Susan, James, and Nicholas
My heart broke when I found out today about your mom! There are so many wonderful memories of hanging out with your mom and dad and conveniently being there for her delicious Sunday dinners😊 Your family has always been a blessing to me and many others. I pray to see you two someday soon. Chris and Rick, you and your families are in my prayers.
Love,
Danielle
So sorry for your loss Chris and Rick. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your families.
I'm so sorry to hear this, Rick. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.