Janet Houston Anderson
Janet Houston Anderson, 95, of Glen Arm, MD, passed away on November 5, 2024. Born on July 15, 1929, in Charleston, WV, she was the daughter of Rutherford Richmond and Margaret Emma Holz Houston.
Her father was a musician and provided her with excellent instruction in violin, starting at the age of four. Later with each member of the family playing a different instrument, they formed their own ensemble, frequently playing just for their own pleasure and often with larger groups such as the Charleston Symphony. She shared her love of music with her children and grandchildren too. After high school, she moved to New York City, where she studied at the School of American Ballet.
After marrying her husband, Thomas Anderson, she came to Baltimore, and later they moved to a small farm in Phoenix, MD. There they raised their four children and had horses, sheep, goats, and many dogs. The family derived much pleasure from camping. They especially enjoyed camping at state parks and on two family trips to the west, visited many national parks.
After retiring, Janet and Tom moved to Lewisburg, WV, where Janet became very involved in the fiber arts and was an avid knitter, weaver, and spinner. She made many beautiful handknit sweaters and completed lots of weaving projects. Janet also spent hours tending to her flower gardens, and it showed. Anyone who passed by her home stopped to comment on how beautiful her gardens were. Her family loved visiting her in Lewisburg, where her grandchildren spent weeks during the summer attending Kids College and having picnics at Greenbrier State Forest.
She is survived by her son, William (Ford) Anderson of Florence, WI; daughter, Margaret Cheyne (Mark) of Manchester, MD; son, John Anderson (Kristin) of Minneapolis, MN; daughter-in-law, Gwenda Anderson of Morgantown, WV; eight grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and her sister, Frances Houston Layton.
In addition to her parents and husband, Tom, of 67 years, she was predeceased by her son, Thomas Anderson III; and daughter-in-law, Rebecca Anderson.
A memorial service is being planned for a later time in Lewisburg, WV. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made to The Wilderness Society.
Information submitted by Parkview Funeral Home in Baltimore, MD.
