Elsa Janis Andersen

Elsa Janis Andersen January 15, 1930 – April 17, 2020 “Teenie” Elsa Andersen, of Wilson passed away peacefully in her sleep at Vidant Hospital in Greenville, in the early hours of Friday, April 17, 2020. She had many medical issues to deal with in her last years but fought through each one with red-headed determination, an upbeat attitude and sense of humor. Born in Lumberton, to Ottis K. Kittrell and “Sadie” Cannon Kittrell. She was the youngest of four girls. Energetic and fun-loving, Teenie brightened the world around her throughout her life. In 1951 she fell in love with a charming Dane, Karl Einar Andersen, and they were blessed to celebrate fifty-seven anniversaries. Teenie enjoyed playing tennis and going out to lunch regularly with her many friends and other “tobacco wives”. She was instrumental in helping to start the “Right to Read” tutoring program in the Wilson Public Schools system. Always the organizer, Teenie along with her husband, Karl, greatly enjoyed entertaining friends from around the world, as well as from around the neighborhood. Teenie is survived by her son, Karl E. Andersen, Jr. and daughter-in-law, Vickie Alexander Andersen of Greenville and granddaughter, Jensen Kristina Andersen; also her son, Kenneth R. Andersen and daughter-in-law, Dr. Susan Hollar Andersen, and granddaughter, Dr. Elizabeth A. Faber and her husband, Will Faber of Clayton; and granddaughter, Leigh A. Edwards and her husband, Ben Edwards and their son, Andersen of Nashville, North Carolina. Additionally, her daughter, Janis Andersen Sexton and son-in-law, John H. Sexton of San Luis Obispo, California, and granddaughter Heather S. Landeros and her husband, Dr. Jerad Landeros, and their daughter Isabel Margrethe of San Francisco, California and granddaughter Anna S. Speaker and her husband, Ben Speaker of Vallejo, California. Teenie was preceded in death by her husband, Karl E. Andersen, Sr.; her three sisters, Melba Ilgen, Edith Hill, and Raye Scoggins and her yellow lab, Splash. Due to present COVID19 restrictions, a memorial service may be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ascension Lutheran Church, 2512 Nash Street N, Wilson, North Carolina 27896. Condolences directed to Joyner’s Funeral Home and Crematory at www.joyners.net.