Our beloved mother, Idella J. King-Anderson, affectionately known as “Della,” was born on March 28, 1958, in Bronx, New York. In the late hours of May 14, 2026, into May 15, 2026, she went home to be with the Lord at her home in Newport News, Virginia.

Della was a devoted wife, loving mother, cherished grandmother, caring sister, aunt, and faithful friend. She was a compassionate caretaker who dedicated more than 30 years of her life serving others as a PCA and home attendant. Throughout her years in New York, she worked faithfully for Elderserve of Riverdale, where she was honored as Employee of the Month in April 2000. After relocating to Virginia, she continued her calling of caring for others while working with I Am Companion. Caring for people was never just a job to her — it was her ministry.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Leigh M. Tunstall; her stepfather, Price Tunstall; her brother, Price Tunstall; and her stepson, TaShimo Anderson.

In 1984, Della’s life crossed paths with Gerald Anderson Jr., and together they built a bond rooted in love, faith, laughter, and devotion. They later united in marriage in 1997 and shared many cherished years together. Our father often expressed how thankful he was to God for allowing their paths to cross. Through the years, he saw love in Della in every form — as a loving mother, sister, aunt, friend, and above all, a loving wife.

Our mother loved the Lord deeply. Her faith journey began at First Glorious Church in the Bronx, New York, and she later became a member of Morning Star Full Gospel Assembly in the Bronx. Even after moving away from New York, she remained faithful, regularly watching Wednesday night Bible study and Sunday services online.

To know Della was to experience warmth, laughter, encouragement, and unconditional love. She was bright, wholesome, selfless, genuine, and full of compassion. She loved worshipping Jesus, singing praises, and sharing the light of God with everyone she encountered. She had a powerful spirit and was truly used by God as a mouthpiece for His kingdom. She believed in loving people wholeheartedly and lived a life that reflected generosity, grace, and faith.

Della had what many would call an “open-door policy.” No one could come to her home and leave empty-handed. Whether she was feeding someone a hot meal, offering advice, praying with them, or simply making them laugh, she gave from the heart. God used her not only to feed people physically, but spiritually as well.

She loved plants and gardening, enjoyed cooking meals that brought comfort and joy, and always made sure she smelled good — you could always count on Della to have her favorite fragrances nearby. She had a joyful personality and loved making people laugh simply by being herself.

Some of her favorite sayings were:

“If I live and nothing happen to me…”

“What in the world!”

“We just have to pray about it.”

She leaves to cherish her precious memory her loving husband, Gerald Anderson Jr.; her children, Haysallen Tunstall, Kathy King, Melvin Tunstall, Lee Grant Tunstall, John Brown III, Thalia Anderson, and Tishma Anderson; and her stepchildren, Talitha Anderson, Lynette Owen, Nat’Tisha Anderson, and TaShambay Nesbitt. She also leaves behind a host of beloved grandchildren, including; Tylique, Essence, Alanna, Allen, Devontrey, Amontrey, Amani, Alill, Jessie, Jestina, Michael, Kamarah, Shamel, Khalil, Kayla, Isabel, and Abigail. She is also survived by her sisters, Adella Florius Ellis and Lillian Tunstall; her beloved aunt, Clementine King Artis Winns; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, great-grandchildren, extended family, and dear friends.

Our mother was not perfect, but she was perfectly who God called her to be. She was love in human form, an encouraging light to so many, and a woman whose presence made people feel safe, welcomed, and cared for.

Though our hearts are heavy, we rejoice knowing she is now resting in the presence of the Lord she loved so dearly.

“God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.”

— 1 John 4:16

A memorial service will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, May 29, 2026 at Cooke Bros. Funeral Chapel.