Alonza Anderson's Obituary
Alonza Anderson, 91, of Chattanooga, transitioned peacefully from his earthly body on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at home. He was born June 14, 1934 in LaGrange, Georgia to Rufus Anderson and Mozelle Burton Anderson.
Alonza was affectionately called “Lil Bro” or “Ba Bro” after his father who was called Brother. He attended Chattanooga Public Schools and worked at the KnitCo factory for many years prior to retiring from the City of Chattanooga after more than 30 years of service. He was an active member of the Park City and Jefferson Street Communities, as well as the Dogwood Manor, where he formed many long-term friendships. Being a proud member of the Southside Community, he also served on the Southside Reunion Committee for several years.
He loved sports but none more than the game of baseball – whether watching or playing. He loved recounting memories of traveling with the local Negro team and having the opportunity to play alongside Willie Mays before Willie Mays played professional baseball.
Alonza loved to share the story of his conversion when he became saved, was transformed, and never looked back. He was a faithful member of the New Hope Missionary Baptist Church for more than 50 years where he served as deacon and ultimately became the senior deacon of the church. Known for his love to sing, he was also a member of the New Hope Male Chorus where he used his melodious voice to praise God. Serving in these two ministries gave Alonza great joy and he took these service responsibilities very seriously. He would visit the elderly and sick regularly, taking communion and lifting them up with prayer and song. He was often called on by families to encourage them with a song during their loved one’s homegoing. He loved to sing “Precious Lord” because that was his mother’s favorite song.
Alonza was a kind man who loved declaring the Goodness of God. After greeting someone, he would often sing out “GOD IS A GOOD GOD!” He truly loved people and wanted them to know his LORD and Savior and have a relationship with the LORD, just as he did. He did not meet a stranger. Anyone who came into his presence and didn’t know him, would certainly know him before they left his presence. Not only would they recognize his beautiful spirit, they would also recognize the attention to detail he would pay to his dress, his well-fitted suit with just the right tie, set off with just the right shoes and hat. He often said, “I’m an Anderson!” and he had to represent!
In addition to his parents, Alonza was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Anderson; daughters, Nellie Davis and Cheryl Wright; brothers, Rufus Anderson, Jr. and Chester McCloud; sisters, Ida Mae Thompson, Minnie Lee Wilkerson, Mary Ruth Anderson and Sylvia Anderson Leslie; and grandson, Esau Brockman.
Those left to cherish his memories include his sons, Harold Brockman, Phillip Brown, and Chester Wright; daughters, Phyllis Brown, Valerie Wright-Southers, Verna Wright-Gilbert; brother, Calvin McCloud; sisters, Lillie Wills and Valerie Anderson; grandchildren, Elder Marvin Roseberry, Janica Davis, Pastor Clinton Waller, Taneisha Brown, Antonio Shelton, Nikko Ashley, TonyRae Willingham, Terrance Brown, Tiffany Brown, Patrick Wright, Roderick Holloway, Tia Holloway, Desmond Gilbert, Yuri Wright, Ephrem Wright, Olesya Wright; 34 great-grandchildren; 11 great-great-grandchildren; caregiver and niece, Andrea Meadows Anderson; and a host of nieces, nephews, other family and friends whom he loved dearly.
Alonza will be remembered for the Joy in his heart that he shared with his family, friends, and everyone he met.
Alonza will lie-in-state on Sunday, October 26, 2025, from 1-5 p.m. at Taylor Funeral Home. Funeral service will be Monday, October 27, 2025, at 1 p.m. at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church with Pastor Wayne L. Johnson as the Eulogist. Burial in Greenwood Cemetery.
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