Maria Elena (Campos) Anderson

Maria Elena Campos Anderson has passed peacefully at home after a long illness. Despite the circumstances of her illness she was determined to make the most of her life and she remained a devoted wife and mother. It was her wish to pass at home and it brings us great comfort that she died exactly like she wanted- at home. Maria was born in Elberton, Ga Jan 13, 1942 and passed Sept 12, 2023 in Athens, Ga.

Maria worked at Athens Orthopedic Clinic for more than 20 years. Helping patients was her greatest joy. Everyone that got to work with her was blessed.

Our fondest memories of our mother were spent around the water. She loved the beach. She would sit for hours watching the waves and the ships come in at night. But do not be fooled- she would not set foot in that water. It brought her great stress that all her children loved the water and stayed in it for hours. She was ever on patrol to save us from any sea creature- real or imagined.

Our mother was also famous for her Christmas safety gifts bought from her beloved QVC. She was determined we would see at night, not choke to death or be able to cut ourselves out of a car.

Maria was preceded in death by her father Antonio Campos, her mother Dolores Campos and her brother Tony Campos. She lost a much loved granddaughter Meagan Leigh Anderson much too soon.

She is survived by her devoted husband Olin Warren Anderson. They married June 1961 after meeting in college. They met at a local student hangout and our mother said once she saw him across the room there was no one else in the room. All her friends told her not to bother because all our  dad wanted to do was hunt and fish. But they were not our  mother. Once he saw our beautiful dark haired mother there was no one else for him either. They wanted to marry right away ,but our Papa said no and made them wait. Once he gave his blessing they spent the next 62 years together.

Her other much loved brother Louie Campos of Elberton is still with us. they have spent hours on our grandmother’s front porch and later on the phone sharing stories. He has always been able to make her laugh with his legendary humor.

Maria is also survived by her daughter Judy Smith, son Don Anderson (Angela), daughter Kay Royster (Todd) and daughter Christy Thomas(Andy). Her many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews have brought her great joy. She loved nothing more than to be surrounded by her family. She had a prayer list taped to the lamp beside her chair and it grew very long over the years. She covered us in prayer and wanted nothing more than for us all to be happy.

A private memorial service will be held for the family at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the St. Mary’s Foundation online at https://donate.stmarysathens.org/donation.

Lord & Stephens Funeral Home, WEST, Watkinsville is entrusted with arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com.