Mary Kirkpatrick Anderson

"Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: "Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all." - Proverbs 31:25-30 Mary Anderson, 54, of Newnan, Georgia was born Mary Martin Kirkpatrick in the City of Angeles, Philippines on April 29, 1970, to late parents Leslie Kirkpatrick and Carmen Abezar Burke. Much of her childhood was spent traveling the world to several military bases, Italy being her most memorable location. Mary graduated from West Anchorage High School in Anchorage, Alaska before joining the ranks of the United States Air Force in 1988. While serving in the Air Force she attended both the University of Hawaii, and the Community College of the Air Force. She later worked in Public Affairs as well as the Joint Service SERE Agency where she trained members from all branches of service on survival tactics and resistance techniques. After her honorable discharge in 1997, she worked as a legal secretary before marrying Lt Col Mark Anderson in 1999. Mary was an affectionate, dedicated, and hardworking woman who always put the needs of others before her own. Her generosity knew no bounds. She was known for her compassionate nature and endlessly giving spirit; always ready to lend a helping hand and offer words of comfort to whomever needed it. In addition to being a successful entrepreneur of several small businesses, Mary devoted much of her life to volunteering at both on-base and off-base organizations, including the USO. Her selfless efforts resulted in her being awarded the Air Education and Training Command Key Spouse of the Year in 2012, a prestigious award presented to only 18 spouses Air Force wide for their generosity, sacrifice, and support of military personnel. Mary's personality brought warmth and joy to everyone she encountered, and her passing will be mourned deeply by everyone who knew and loved her. Her memory will remain in the hearts of her family, friends, and all those who were honored to have had the privilege of knowing her. Her legacy will live on for generations to come, inspiring those around her with her kindheartedness, generosity, and unforgettable spirit. She is lovingly survived by her children Tara Bechard, Tori Broussard, and Lance Anderson; sons-in-law Andrew Bechard and Garrett Broussard; grandchildren Emileigh Broussard and Luke Broussard; sisters Teresa Plumley and Fran Atkinson, brothers-in-law Bruce Plumley and Fred Atkinson; all her nieces and nephews; her extended family in the Philippines who loved her as "Aunt Mary," and finally, all her puppies Bandit, Jaxon, Otto, Emerald, and Roman. A public memorial service will be held at Saturday, November 9, 2024 at the McKoon Funeral Home & Crematory, 38 Jackson Street in Newnan, GA, with visitation beginning at noon and the service commencing at 1:00PM. Flowers and condolences can be sent to McKoon Funeral Home or expressed online at www.mckoon.com. McKoon Funeral Home & Crematory (770) 253-4580

Mary Kirkpatrick Anderson

April 29, 1970 - October 30, 2024