Lottie Mae Anthony

Lottie Mae Anthony, graced this Earth for 89 beautiful years, spending most of her life creating memories in Toledo, Ohio. A devoted mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, Lottie was truly a special person. She was lovingly and affectionately known as “Mama,” “Grandma,” “Granny,” “Aunt Lottie,” “Ms. Lottie,” “Lottie Dottie,” and in later years she referred to herself often as, “The Granny!” And boy did she fulfill every role. Lottie could be described as a woman before her time; so full of elegance, class, soulfulness, laughter, spunk, great courage and tenacity. She relied heavily on her spiritual compass and discernment. She would proudly proclaim those gifts were from God. Lottie was born in Abbeville, Alabama to the late Eli and Jannie Anthony. She was the sixth child of eight children, having six sisters (Hattie Lee, Lillie Mae, Willie Mae, Gertrude, Virginia and Mary Alice) and one younger brother (William) all who preceded her in death. At a young age, Lottie developed a love of nature that undoubtedly created later adult hobbies like fishing and gardening. She was a well loved child; often sharing lovely accounts of her childhood with her children and grandchildren alike. Lottie became a wife at a young age and moved with her (then) husband to Elyria, Ohio. From that union she birthed six children; with one child passing away at infancy. After many years, her union ultimately ended in divorce. If you have ever heard Lottie talk about her marital experience(s) and/or been given her relational advice you will know that she was proud of her decision to choose self-love and fulfillment. She went on to have one more child— becoming a mother of seven, with six living children; which she split in two groups. Our family knows that inside joke! She then relocated to Toledo, Ohio. As a single mother, Lottie developed a strong work ethic and was a dedicated provider; who was determined to care for her children without government assistance. Meaning for several years she worked upwards of three (3) jobs before starting a career. Lottie told countless stories about how her faith got her through those tough times. She was a woman with a compassionate heart that was fueled by her love of the Lord. She was also known for being an amazing cook, creating many meals with “love” for her family and friends— everyone has a favorite dish that she made. Lottie was small in stature but big in might— working 32 years for Seaway FoodTown, starting out as a janitor working her way up to being a Forklift Driver. She had a couple philosophies that her children (and grandchildren) love to repeat. With great confidence she would say: “I can out run a bear! I can out swim a shark! If I was ever disabled, in a wheelchair and there was a house fire, I would wheel myself to the front door AND throw myself out!” We will always admire her strength and self determination. Lottie loved to attempt to tell a good joke. She would often throw her head back in laughter, laughing at herself, before others got the punch line. Ironically, she’d likely forget the punch line before she’d even finish the joke. After retirement, Lottie spent the bulk of her time catching up on her shows. “Perry Mason,” “Murder She Wrote,” “In The Heat of The Night,” Lifetime, Hallmark and The Weather Channels were amongst her favorites— using their content as conversation starters. She was not a fan of musicals or music videos, making that known with asking to have the channel changed. During retirement she came up with one of her most infamous phrases, “Wanna run around the block?” And she’d just laugh no matter how anyone answered that question. She was not a fan of running. Her daughter, Judy resided with her and after retirement cared for her daily needs, often her confidant. She would enjoy having lunch dates with her daughter, Annie— which Lottie would never finish her meal because she was talking. Having special visits with her daughter, Mary. Taking “catnaps” with her daughter, Annette— waking Annette up while saying she herself was not asleep. She also found great joy in helping to care for her great-grandchildren, Ambrosia, Aaniyah and Appl. In latter years, upon the onset of her health declining, she was in the guardianship care of her daughter, Annette. We were prepared several times to say “Until We Meet Again” to our matriarch; but somehow, Lottie would always bounce back, better and stronger than ever! Just recently, we were all amazed that after being on a ventilator for 8 days, she awoke, smiled and began talking with us. Her granddaughter, Amber, spent countless hours attending to her medical decisions and care. Our Lottie passed peacefully from this life and into the arms of her Savior, Jesus Christ, on December 26, 2021. In her 89 years, she taught her family many things. She’d often say two phrases “YOU DON’T KNOW MY LIFE!” or “I ain’t lying!” reminding us that we could never truly understand her point of view, her truth and/or experiences; good, tough or indifferent. And that may be true! But what we do know for sure is— Lottie made all of our lives more enjoyable and worth living. She had a special way of making everyone feel like they were indeed her very favorite; when she herself was really everyone’s favorite! The love and memories we share remain in tact and surpass our sadness as we know where she now resides. For it is written, “…to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.” Cherishing her memory and carrying forth her beautiful legacy are her children, Annie Jones, Annette McClair, Donald Jones, and Judy Jones; grandchildren, Curt Arnold (who she lovingly referred to as her son), Donald Jones, Jr., Doni Jones, Tony Harris, Samantha Jones, Ronald Jones, Jr., Stephanie (Charles) Williams, Amber McClair, Rhonda Harris, Lynette Harris, Ronica Jones, Marcus Jones and Alex Jones; Goddaughters, Robin Gates-Turner and Carole Gates, twenty (20) great grandchildren; four (4) great-great grandchildren; special nieces, Rosie Randle and Willy Jean Williams, special nephew, Mark Williams, combined with a host of more loving nieces, nephews, family and friends. She was also preceded in death by children, (baby) Jacqueline Jones, Marian W. Jones, and just recently, Ronald Jones. Private visiting and homegoing services will take place in the Walker Funeral Home, 5155 Sylvania Avenue (west of Corey Road) in Toledo. Lottie will be laid to rest at Historic Woodlawn Cemetery. Contributions in her memory are suggested to the family.