LaJuana Joyce Anderson, 85, of rural Staunton, died in Fernandina Beach, FL, on May 31, 2026. She spent her final weeks surrounded by her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren playing piano duets, reading stories and sharing memories.
A service was held on Saturday, June 20, at 5 p.m. at Unity Baptist Church in Gillespie. A dinner followed. Family grave-side services preceded the memorial at Benld Cemetery at 3 p.m.
Mrs. Anderson was born on February 23, 1941, in Litchfield to the late John and Mary (Pianfetti) Lockwood. She was a graduate of Litchfield High School, class of 1959 and held an Associate Degree in Music Education from Lewis and Clark Community College.
She married the love of her life, George Anderson at Litchfield First Baptist Church on October 1, 1960, and he preceded her in death after 55 years of marriage. They were the parents of two children, Mark and Karyn.
Mrs. Anderson owned and operated several businesses during her lifetime including Lockwood Conservatory of Music, Gillespie Income Tax Service, and Liza’s Gifts and Tea Room. She shared her passion for music education with hundreds of piano students over more than 50 years and enjoyed traveling to elementary and high school music contests to support her pupils.
She was a member of Gillespie Baptist churches since 1961, and served in many roles over that time such as choir director, pianist, secretary and missions leader. She loved to help decorate for banquets, church functions, baby and bridal showers. She conducted Easter and Christmas cantatas and volunteered in Vacation Bible School. She had the gift of making everyone she met feel loved and valued.
Mrs. Anderson is survived by her children, Mark Anderson of rural Staunton and Karyn (Bruce) Hartke of Yulee, FL; four grandchildren, Elizabeth (Tom) Colangelo, Eric (Michelle) Anderson, Logan (Lauren) Hartke and Brennan (Stephan) Jammer; and six great-grandchildren. She is also survived by a special daughter of the heart, Leanne Heyen.
She is survived by sisters, Shirley Lowe of Gillespie and Valerie (Rick) Cordes of Farmersville; sister-in-law, Betty Dees of Jackson, TN; and brother-in-law, Bill Baran of Hillsboro; along with many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; and sisters, Dorothy Najduk, Dorrie Herring and Carol Baran.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Unity Baptist Church.
Kravanya Funeral Home in Gillespie is in charge of the arrangements.
