In Memory of Joanne P. Anderson (1935-2021)
Joanne Pemberton Anderson (1953-2021) died on Friday, April 30, in Hamden, CT. She was a generous supporter of the Center for Global Christianity & Mission, and we mourn her passing.
Mrs. Anderson was a leader alongside her husband Dr. Gerald H. Anderson at the Overseas Ministry Study Center (OMSC) for 26 years. The following obituary and tribute is provided by the OMSC.
“Joanne Pemberton Anderson, died at 86 on Friday, April 30 in Hamden, CT. The daughter of the Rev. James and Irma Pemberton, she was born in Philadelphia (1935), and graduated from Asbury College (B.A., 1957) and Columbia University Teachers College (M.A., 1966). Prior to marriage in 1960 she taught English and journalism in East Providence (Rhode Island) High School.
With her husband, the Rev. Dr. Gerald H. Anderson, she was a Methodist missionary in the Philippines from 1960 to 1970. During her years in the Philippines she taught at Harris Memorial College for Methodist Deaconesses and at Union Theological Seminary, Manila, and had two children, a son (Brooks, 1965) and a daughter (Allison, 1967). Her book The World’s Children in Pictures: The Philippines was published by Friendship Press, New York, in 1968.
After returning to the United States she worked in a variety of administrative positions at Stockton State College, New Jersey (1974-1987) and was Executive Assistant to the Dean of Yale School of Medicine (1988-1997).
During the 26 years of her husband’s tenure at the Overseas Ministries Study Center (1974–2000), Joanne was “keeper of the home front,” while he travelled extensively. Together they hosted hundreds of OMSC residents and guests from many parts of the world in their home for evenings of dessert, conversation and sharing about faith journeys.
In January 2001, she and her husband travelled around the world through Asia as emissaries of the Overseas Ministries Study Center, visiting seminaries, church leaders, and former residents of OMSC. This trip also provided an opportunity for a visit with their son Brooks and his wife Shano, who work in public health in South India.
She enjoyed being grandmother to Connor Mislow and Alexa Mislow, children of her daughter Allison and husband Robert Mislow who live in Orange, CT.
In 2001 Joanne received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from Albertus Magnus College, New Haven, CT, “in recognition of distinguished achievement and service to society.”
Her husband says that Joanne was God’s gracious gift. As Henry James once said, “There are only three things important in life. The first is to be kind. The second is to be kind and the third is to be kind.” My Joanne, her husband said, “was the kindest person I ever knew.”
In addition to the family members mentioned above, she is survived by a younger brother Bruce Pemberton (and Gloria), with their children, in Chelmsford, MA.
Her family will receive relatives and friends on Friday, May 7 from 10 to 11 am in the Hawley Lincoln Funeral Home, 424 Elm Street, New Haven. A funeral service will be held in the funeral home at 11 am. Interment will follow at Grove Street Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the Anderson family asks you to consider making a donation in her name to the Overseas Ministries Study Center at Princeton Theological Seminary.”
Those who wish to write to Dr. Anderson should use the following address:
Dr. Gerald H. Anderson, 200 Leeder Hill Drive, Apt 407, Hamden, CT 06517, USA