Amanda Anderson Pryor

AMANDA LAVERNE ANDERSON PRYOR was born Monday, July 9, 1933, to the late Ernest W. and Bertha S. Anderson of Richmond, VA. Her husband, of forty-one (41) years of holy matrimony, Linwood H. Pryor, preceded her in death. From this union were born Linwood Bradley, Faye Kimberly and Carole Marie Pryor-Starcher. Prior to the birth of her children, she nurtured and cared for her in her home Edrice Sherman and Clifford Wade. From that time on, Amanda assumed the responsibility of caring unselfishly for her “family of others.” Because of her loving motherly ways, she became a “Mother Figure” to countless children; while assuming the role of “Matriarch’ of the Anderson family. Most recently during her retirement years, that “loving and caring spirit” continued as she unhesitantly embraced Matthew, Beoncia and Brooke Johnson.Amanda accepted Christ at and early age at the Bethlehem Baptist Church of Richmond, VA and became and active baptized member. After moving to Hanover County, she became a member of the First Union Baptist Church and served so willingly in various capacities. Truly, she was a dedicated and devoted servant. Most notably, she served on the Hospitality and Worship ministries. In addition, she loved to study the Word of God as a regular member of the Thursday Bible Study Class. Amanda served on the Missionary Ministry and the Chickahominy Missionary Union-Area A.Amanda not only served her church, but her community as well. For a time she was a leader for a 4H Club. In that capacity, she would coordinate efforts to help those who were in need. She was no stranger to the sick and shut-ins. She visited them and also prepared meals for them. Moreover, when needed she would transport them to their doctor’s appointments with concern, love and care.On many occasions, she would share her culinary skills with community organizations such as the Ruritans, the Masons and the Battlefield Park PTA.Amanda and her late husband, Linwood, were the proprietors of Pryor’s BP on Mechanicsville Pike. Through their business, they helped many in the greater Richmond area.Amanda received her primary education in the Richmond public schools and went on to J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College. She held certificates in food service and food preparation from the former Virginia Polytechnic Institute. Her work experience included being a nurse’s assistant. She worked for Hanover County for 35 years as cafeteria manager at Battlefield Park Elementary, where she retired in 1999.Amanda was truly a people person. One of her greatest joys was her annual Fourth of July picnic. She was an accomplished pastry-cook and was well known for her delicious meals, bread and pound cake. Her family and friends will certainly miss her.Cherishing fond memories of Amanda are her loving children, Linwood Bradley Pryor, Faye Kimberly Pryor and Carole Pryor-Starcher (James); four grandchildren, Tristin Starcher, Brooke, Beoncia and Matthew Johnson; five brothers, Rev. E. Walter (Lois), James Robert (Constance), Reginald, Herbert (Emma), and Lewis Anderson; three sisters, Doris A. Stokes, Bertha M. Anderson and Gwendolyn A. Pitts (Ethan); two sisters-in-law, Delois Anderson and Ethel White; one brother-in-law, Clarence Lewis; one god-child, Edrice Sherman, a host of devoted nieces and nephews, among them Antoinette L. Bland; two cousins, Barrington Anderson of Washington, DC and Darnell Anderson (Wendi) of Maryland; other relatives and friends and a special group of girlfriends, the “Jolly Bees”, May the work that I have done speak for me.

Tributes

Amanda Anderson Pryor

July 9, 1933 - July 10, 2005