Anna Young Obituary

Anna Lee Young graced this world with her presence for 94 remarkable years. She was a true lady. On February 1, 2025, she passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family. She is leaving behind a legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come.
Born to Walter and Marie (Cady) Johnson on September 2, 1930, in Fayette, Missouri, Anna Lee's life journey was a testament to hard work and unwavering love for her family and friends. Her early education started in a one room schoolhouse in Woodlandville, followed by graduation from University High School. She received a two year associate's teaching degree from Christian College in Columbia, Missouri in June 1950, followed by graduation from the University of Missouri at Columbia in June of 1952. She met John Overton Young in elementary school and they married on October 26, 1951.
Together John and Anna Lee raised five children, Jane Jordan (Jim), Jonalee McLaughlin (Paul), Judy Jacobs, Jan Millington (Tom) and Jeff Young (Kristin), who in turn blessed them with sixteen grandchildren and fifteen great grandchildren. She fiercely loved her family, cherishing every one of them and every moment spent with them, and taught them invaluable life skills. She was the original earth mamma, a champion of sustainability (this new generation has nothing on her). She taught us gardening, canning, sewing, macramé, any craft you can imagine, hog butchering, furniture refinishing, and how to tackle any job including restoring a Model A from a rusty frame to a beautiful running car. She taught us manners (we hope you notice) and how to work. She had an amazing work ethic. She has seen life transition from wooden iceboxes to freezers; outhouses to indoor plumbing; kerosene lamps to solar panels; wagons to planes; handwritten letters to the internet. She grew with it all. The life skills she provided to us have created lasting memories and traditions that will endure through generations.
Anna Lee was an excellent cook and homemaker, always eager to make everyone feel welcome with an Apple muffin or cookie - all the way to the end when she tried to share her ice chips with her daughters. Her servant's heart never ended, a true master of tidiness, hospitality, and service. She loved her Chapter KT PEO sisters, was an avid supporter and member of DAR (Daughter's of the American Revolution), Mature Learners, and her 'Lunch Bunch" among many other volunteer groups and organizations during her life. She was a 50-year member of King's Way United Methodist Church.
Anna Lee was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, John Young, and two sisters Betty Mae Harper and Margaret Singh. As we remember Anna Lee Young, we celebrate a life well lived, a love well shared, and a legacy to inspire generations to come. She was an excellent wife, a loyal friend, and a loving mother. Nothing replaces the love of a mother. She was a gracious soul who will forever be in our hearts.
A memorial service to celebrate Anna Lee's life will be conducted at 1:00 p.m. Friday, February 7, 2025, at King's Way United Methodist Church in Springfield, Mo. A reception to visit with her family will follow the service at the church.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests any donations be made to King's Way United Methodist Church, 2401 S Lone Pine Ave, Springfield, Mo. 65804 or the charity of the donor's choice.
Freeman Mortuary is assisting Anna Lee's family with her arrangements.
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