Wendy Anderson, the wife of the Arkansas State University head football coach, will be honored during a memorial service Friday morning. Anderson passed away at the age of 49 on Monday, Aug. 19 from cancer.
The service will be held on Friday, Aug. 23, at 11 a.m., at Central Baptist Church in Jonesboro. The service will be streamed by the church, and the stream will be available here.
Born in Texas, she was a 1989 graduate of Conroe High School. She met her future husband, Blake Anderson, at Sam Houston State University. They were married for 27 years.
In the wake of her death, there has been an outpouring of grief and tributes from the A-State and Jonesboro community. The A-State Athletics Department released a statement, saying that Anderson was a “treasured member of the Jonesboro community and a treasured member of the Jonesboro community and wonderful ambassador for A-State and college football.”
“Wendy’s courageous battle with cancer will continue to serve as an inspiration to many across the nation, and the outpouring of support far and wide for the Andersons and the A-State family has been overwhelming.”
Chancellor Kelly Damphousse and ASU System President Charles L. Welch also extended their condolences to the Anderson family. The two leaders offered their support to the Anderson family and paid tribute to Wendy Anderson’s battle with cancer.
“On behalf of the students, faculty, staff, and alumni of Arkansas State University, today we remember the valiant struggle of Wendy Anderson, and keep Blake and the Anderson family in our thoughts and prayers. We have seen the highs when Wendy briefly was declared cancer free, and watched her bravely face the profound challenge of cancer’s return. Cancer is a disease that can rob us of our loved ones, of our bodies, but for Wendy, we know that it never touched her soul,” Damphousse said. “Wendy lived her life in victory. I have asked that our university flag be lowered on campus to half-staff today, and tonight, we will celebrate the victory of her life by lighting the Arkansas State University Library clock tower red.”
“We’re heartbroken for Blake and his family. Wendy fought so courageously the past two years, and the ASU System family will miss her greatly. I know the Anderson family’s faith will help them through this difficult time, and we will continue to support Blake any way we can. We all appreciate the outpouring of concern and sympathy from our colleagues throughout the country,” Welch said.
View Anderson’s obituary here.
READ MORE: Wendy Anderson Passes Away