Beatrice (Bea) Marie Rucker Anderson, of Zachary, LA, beloved mother, sister, grandmother, and friend, passed peacefully into heaven on July 12, 2026, surrounded by her family. She was 93 years young. Her presence, her laughter, her smile and her steadfast love will be deeply missed by all who knew her. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Zachary, LA. Also, a former member of Baker First Baptist Church.

Born in Columbia, Louisiana, in 1933, Bea grew up on a family farm as one of nine children-two boys and seven girls. Life on the farm meant long days working alongside her siblings, picking vegetables, tending crops, and harvesting cotton to help support the family. Those early years shaped her lifelong devotion to faith, family, friendship, hard work, and generosity.

While in High School she met her life-long love, Virgil Anderson. They married shortly after her graduation. Their marriage lasted 53 years and only ended when he passed away.

In her early married life, Bea and Virgil, operated the Lakeside Inn in Columbia. After moving to Baker, Bea began her career in nursing at Baton Rouge General Hospital, where she served with dedication for many years. She later worked at the Baker Medical Group for Dr. Bunk and Dr. Fontenot, continuing her commitment to caring for others.

Bea loved working in her flower beds, fishing, camping, and spending time with her family and friends. She loved teaching Sunday School and participating in many other Church duties. She was an avid LSU Sports fan. She was an active member of the Eastern Stars, Baker Bass Club, Baker CB Club and served as a co-administrator of the Buffwood Pool Club helping overseeing membership dues and maintenance alongside Virgil. One of her greatest joys was traveling with her sisters, proudly calling themselves the Seven Sisters Travel Club.

Bea was preceded in death by her parents, Olan Lee Rucker and Ila Irene Cook; her husband, James Virgil Anderson; her brother, Roy Lee Rucker; and her sisters, Annie Ruth Cooper, Margaret Elizabeth Neal, and Joyce Ann Causey.

Bea is survived by her sisters, Sybil Crain (Dallas), Lois Brumfield, Mabel Terrell; and her brother, Wilbur Rucker (Mary Dee); her son, Benny G. Anderson (Betty); and her daughter, Wanda A. Rester (Ron); her niece, Sharon Fortenberry (Cecil); her legacy continues through her grandchildren, Lea Waxley (Jason), Beth Kirk (Josh), Jeremiah Anderson, Randy Verrett (Dawn), and Charles Verrett (Brandie); she was blessed with great‑grandchildren, Alice Waxley, Craig Waxley (Hannah), Alyssa Trabeau, Brayden Mills, Nathan Verrett, Ryan Verrett, Lucas Verrett, and Sophia Verrett; and with great‑great‑grandchildren, Bentley Kirkland, Novalee Kirkland, Oakleigh West, and soon‑to‑arrive Nolan Waxley.

Bea lived a life marked by devotion, resilience, and love. Her family takes comfort in knowing she is reunited with those who went before her, and that her spirit lives on in the many lives she touched.

Relatives and friends are invited to join the family for the visitation at First Baptist Church, 4200 Main Street, Zachary, LA, on Saturday, July 18th, 2026, from 9:00 AM until the Funeral Service at 11:00 AM, officiated by Bro. Billy Rose. The graveside service and burial will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens, in Baker, Louisiana.

Pallbearers will be Jeremiah Anderson, Randy Verrett, Charles Verrett, Ryan Verrett and Jason Waxley, Craig Waxley. Honorary Pallbearers will be Lucas Verrett, Josh Kirk, and Braden Mills.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Pat McLin and Sharon Fortenberry for all of their time and work helping take care of Mom Bea.