Katherine Jean Anderson, President and CEO of Andy's Seasoning, Inc., was born on a farm on June 25, 1932 in Osceola, Arkansas to William and Odessa Lee. She was the eldest of eleven children. Educated at Booker T. Washington High School in Memphis, Tennessee, Katherine also took courses at Tucker Business College and, later, Florissant Valley Community College and St. Louis University. She was, by all accounts, a quick study. Katherine moved to St. Louis, Missouri in 1957 in search of better employment opportunities. After working as a seamstress and attending nursing school, she began a career with the City of St. Louis that spanned more than thirty years and ended with The Board of Elections where she proudly served as a supervisor in the Absentee Department. In 1972, she married Reuben Anderson. In 1981, Reuben and Katherine started Andy's Seasoning, Inc., a barbeque and seasoning salt company, in their basement. The business rapidly grew into a multi-million dollar breading, batter, and seasoning salt corporation with customers in all 50 states. A great deal of the company's success can be attributed to Katherine's stewardship when she took the helm after Reuben's death in 1996. Though there were many who initially doubted her ability to lead, Katherine quickly silenced her detractors. Outperforming anyone's expectations, she quadrupled the revenue and received countless awards and citations for her entrepreneurial savvy and strong leadership including a commendation in Working Woman Magazine, a Salute to Women in Leadership Business Leadership Award, Mayor Francis Slay's Spirit Award, the St. Louis Argus Distinguished Citizen Award, and St. Louis American's Salute to Excellence in Business Entrepreneur of the Year Award. A pillar of the community known for her generous charitable works, Katherine made more private contributions than she did public ones. She was an intensely private person. She served on the board of St. Louis Gateway Classic Sports Foundation and the United Way of Greater St. Louis and supported Habitat for Humanity, Paralyzed Veterans, American Diabetes Association, Mothers Against Drunk Drivers and countless other charitable organizations. She also opened her heart and hand to many individuals who came to her in need, never asking anything in return. Spiritually grounded in Agape' Christian Center, a church she attended since its founding by her son Larry Lee in 1979, Katherine was a rock for almost all who knew her. She served as a Financial Secretary and Women's Fellowship leader and was a cherished mother of the church. She was also the beloved mother of five sons and the head of her large extended family. Though quiet and unassuming, Katherine was often known to speak her mind. Capable of both great insight and discretion, Katherine was frequently sought out as a confidant. She was also a gifted cook whose home was always open to family and friends. Called "a great success story" by Mayor Francis Slay, Katherine attributed her achievements to God, perseverance and to parents who "taught me that no one owes you anything". After a lengthy battle with cancer, Katherine succumbed on November 21, 2011. She was preceded in death by her husband, Reuben Anderson; four children, Gloria Lee, Gregory Lee, Rudolph Lee, Angela Anderson; and four siblings, Odessa Green, Joe Lee, Bennell Lee and Leadell Lee. She leaves to cherish her memory: three sons, Michael (Pamela) Lee, Larry W. Lee, Roy G. Lee and one stepson, Jun (Yama) Anderson; daughter-in-law, Marie Lee (wife of deceased Gregory Lee); six siblings, Mildred (Edward) Clay, David (Tina) Lee, William (Otha) Lee, Jr., Juanita (Norman) Neal, Margaret Jackson and Herman Aleem; six grandchildren, Paul Lee, Michelle Lee, Aaron (Layana) Lee, Shantelle (David) Gordon, Gregory (Dianna) Lee, and Kelly (Leonard) Blythe; five great-grand- children, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, employees and friends. This Online Memorial has been created to commemorate the life of Katherine Anderson. You are invited to add a Tribute in her memory. Please click "Sign Guestbook" below to add your own memories, reflections, thoughts or condolences.