of Forrest City, AR
September 8, 1946 - April 1, 2025
Rhydonia Ruth Anderson, 78 years of age, passed from this life on April 1, 2025 at her home in Forrest City, Arkansas.
Rhydonia was born September 8, 1946 in Jacksonville, Florida to the late Houston & Ruth (Howard) Holt. She was the first of six children.
She married Virgil Paul Anderson on January 20, 1968 and reached their 57th anniversary this year.
While attending Harding College in Searcy, Arkansas, she was privileged to be part of the Harding Acappella Chorus. In that capacity she made a number of tours in the US and five international chorus tours. She graduated from Harding in 1968 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics. She taught school a number of years in Illinois, Tennessee and ultimately in Arkansas. She obtained a master's degree in counseling from Arkansas State University in 1994. She later obtained an Educational Specialist post graduate degree from Harding University and became a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and a Licensed Professional Counselor.
Rhydonia is survived by her husband, Virgil of Forrest City, AR; two brothers, Robert (& Beth) Holt of Georgetown, SC and Daniel (& Barbara) Holt of Murfreesboro, TN; three sisters, Charlotte (& Monty) McIntyre of Ravenswood, WV, Sharon (& Mark) Chesnut of Effingham, IL and Rhyta Hooks of St. Elmo, IL and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral Service will be held on Friday, April 4th at Roller-Citizens Funeral Home in West Memphis, Arkansas with visitation one hour prior.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Gideons International, Nashville, TN.
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10 Condolence(s)
Jeanné Aken
Monday, November 10, 2025
Dear Virgil and family,
I was so saddened by hearing about the loss of sweet Rhydonia. I remember taking Brain Gym classes from and with the both of you in Peoria. Exploring Vision, Double Doodle and many more. It was always such a treat when I would walk in the room to see your smiling faces. Such presence, calmness, and joy she brought to the table. She will surely be missed.
Sending love and grace that your memories make you smile much more often than teary eyed.
Peace and Blessings,
Jeanné Aken
Helen Cox
Monday, November 10, 2025
Dear Virgil and family,
My heart is with you. Seeing the photo of Rhydonia with her flower brought tears to my eyes — so deeply reflective of her radiant spirit. She carried such warmth, grace, and joy everywhere she went, and she blessed so many lives through her work and presence.
I treasure the memory of Rhydonia and Virgil staying in our home while teaching a Brain Gym course here in Peoria. Her kindness, her gentle encouragement, and her way of helping others reconnect with their own light will always remain with me.
May you feel surrounded by love, comfort, and the peace she embodied so beautifully.
With warmest condolences,
Helen Cox
Helen Cox
Monday, November 10, 2025
Dear Virgil and family,
My heart is with you. Seeing the photo of Rhydonia with her flower brought tears to my eyes — so deeply reflective of her radiant spirit. She carried such warmth, grace, and joy everywhere she went, and she blessed so many lives through her work and presence.
I treasure the memory of Rhydonia and Virgil staying in our home while teaching a Brain Gym course here in Peoria. Her kindness, her gentle encouragement, and her way of helping others reconnect with their own light will always remain with me.
May you feel surrounded by love, comfort, and the peace she embodied so beautifully.
With warmest condolences,
Helen Cox
Carolyn Burdett
Wednesday, June 18, 2025
With a broken heart I am posting this message. I am in shock to see your obituary. I was reaching out to you and puzzled by the failed messages. You were an angel on earth to so many that God put in your path. You were a special blessing to me. I never felt I belonged or could accomplish life achievements until I was your student and Mr Anderson brought the same. I so enjoyed our exchange of publications and long discussions. I will forever regret I missed your service and went too long to catch back up. Heaven has called you home and I know your crown is full of jewels and your angelic wings are extending down to Mr Anderson and so many others. When I look to the stars I will look for you and Tony as well as the cardinals singing in my yard. Love you forever in my heart and memories. Miss you forever in my life My beloved friend
AnitalEmerson Taylor
Sunday, April 20, 2025
Thinking of you always Mrs.Anderson was a special person to all. Anita
Laura Lee Williard
Tuesday, April 8, 2025
I am so sorry for this deep loss Uncle Virgil.
Charlotte Wooten
Thursday, April 3, 2025
So Sorry Mr. Anderson
Prayers
Jordan Chesnut
Wednesday, April 2, 2025
We are sad to see you go, but know this life is temporary and we are just passing through. Some of my fondest memories with Aunt Rydonia are of our times in the summer making homemade ice cream, eating watermelon, and a fish fries while painting Grandpa and Grandma’s house.
During those years she turned me on to eating fried green tomatoes and helped me get an insight into the way of life my Grandparents had when they were younger, which she seemed to carry on to the next generation.
You will always be remembered in my heart as someone who was always thinking about others and showed she cared.
While we miss you, we know you are in a special place now with so many we have had to say goodbye to over the years.
Kevin Newsom
Wednesday, April 2, 2025
Condolences from this branch of the Holt lineage.
Robert G. Holt
Wednesday, April 2, 2025
Lot of good memories from the cotton fields in Cardwell, Mo. through life to our senior years.
God bless your memory Rhydonia.
Love you, your brother.