Bishop Ernest Allen Anders

Bishop Ernest Allen Anders, a revered spiritual leader and dedicated servant of the The Church of God in Reidsville, NC, passed away peacefully on February 24, 2025. Bishop Allen Anders was surrounded by a multitude of his friends and loved ones who had gathered by his bedside to reminisce his life, his legacy, and his faithfulness. There at his bedside they witnessed and worshiped together, as they sang the song “COME JESUS COME” when Bishop Anders’ Master graciously entered the room and ushered him into his eternal rest at the age of 85.

Born on October 11, 1939, in Grayson County Virginia, to Clarence and Eather Anders he was the eldest of eight siblings. Bishop Anders married his precious wife, Bonnie Guynn Anders, on December 22, 1960, and together they walked side by side for over 64 years of faithful marriage. 

Bishop Anders was an avid gardener who loved to cook and share his vegetables with others. He farmed bees, raised honey in his back yard; he also enjoyed cutting his own lawn. Bishop Anders loved to travel with his wife to the mountains of Fries, Virginia as he reminisced of the days of old. He loved to relax around a burning hot wood stove, often while bouncing one of his precious grandchildren on his knees. Hardly a soul could stay long before he had a cup of coffee brewed and a pocketknife in his hand to give as a gift to whoever came by. His life was one of self-sacrifice and commitment to the Bible Pattern. He promoted revival and traveled wherever he could to share the Good News of Jesus Christ.

Bishop Anders devoted his life to spreading “THE FAITH”, and the compassion of Jesus Christ. He strove to leave a lasting impact on countless lives throughout his ministry both at home and abroad. Bishop Anders was licensed as an Evangelist on September 10, 1981, he was latter ordained as a Bishop on January 1st 1994 in THE CHURCH OF GOD. He was privileged to pastor the same congregation through those many years. Truly he exhibited a shepherds heart during his tenure as a pastor. Bishop Anders was known for his unwavering commitment to Christ and His Church. He was a beacon of hope, offering guidance, wisdom and spiritual support to all who sought his counsel. A man of prayer and persistence, who never wavered as a “Defender of the Faith”. Certainly, he was a man who not only “talked the talk” but also “walked the walk.”

Bishop Anders was proceeded in death by his parents: Clarence & Eather Anders, His Brothers: Richard Stephen Anders, Donald Wayne Anders, James Clyde Anders, Jeffrey Lynn Anders, and his sister: Betty Lou Witty.

He is survived by his brother: Bishop Harvey Anders, wife Cindy of Cleveland, Tenn. and his two sisters: Deloris Pulliam of Cleveland, Tenn. and Deborah Perkins, Husband Danny of Reidsville, NC.

Bishop Allen Anders leaves to cherish his memories and legacy, his beloved wife of 64 years, Bonnie Guynn Anders of Reidsville, NC and their 3 children. Son, Timothy Allen Anders and spouse Diana Anders of Eden NC, daughter, Teresa Anders McGriff and spouse Melvin McGriff of Rocky Mount, NC, daughter Becky Anders Zhang and spouse John Zhang of Reidsville, NC. As well as their 10 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren, a great host of nieces and nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

The services for Bishop Anders are as follows: 

The Family will receive friends and loved ones, Friday February 28, 2025, located at Wilkerson Funeral Home,1909 Richardson Dr. Reidsville NC 27320. Visitation will be from: 6:00 - 8:00 pm

Celebration of Life Service, Saturday March 1, 2025, located at THE CHURCH OF GOD, 807 Walker St. Reidsville, NC, 27320. Celebration of Life begins at 1:00 pm.

Graveside will follow the service at Evergreen Memorial Gardens, 7875 Hwy 158, Reidsville, NC.

The service will be officiated by the Reverend Dwayne Anders and Reverend Harvey Anders.

 Pall Bearers

Jordan Anders, Kevin Anders,  Mark Anders,  Justin McGriff

Mike Silvers, Anthony Webb, James Troy Witty,  Mason Zhang

Honorary Pall bearers

Luke Anders, Matthew Fearer, Toby Fearer, Jonas Silvers

Memorials can be made to The Church of God, 807 Walker St. Reidsville, NC 27804