Virginia Lee Puerta Dunham Anderson, 83, died Monday, May 4, 2020, at Memorial Hospital in Lake Charles.
She graduated from DeQuincy High School and later McNeese State College with a degree in Elementary Education. She also earned her Masters and plus 30 from McNeese. Throughout her career she taught hundreds of first graders, beginning at Prien Lake Elementary School and later at A.A. Nelson Elementary.
She was a longtime member of Houston River Baptist Church where she taught Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, sang in the choir, and served on various committees. She was also a member of the Pine Grove (Baptist Church) Singers.
She is survived by her son, John Dunham (Heather) of Sulphur; four step daughters, Leslie Neal (Tommy) of Whitesboro, Texas, April Loewen of Sherman, Texas, Amber Traxler (Jason) of Sanger, Texas, and Melanie Anderson of New York City, N.Y.; and their children and grandchildren; siblings, Catherine DeLee (Jimmy) of Alexandria, Grace Perez (Carlos) of Lake Charles, and John Puerta (Beverly) of DeQuincy.
She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Venie Puerta; husbands, Doy Dunham and Jim Anderson; daughter, Melinda Dunham; sister, Molly Odreman; brother, James (Cubby) Puerta; and step son, James David Anderson.
A private graveside service will be led by her pastor Bro. Lonnie Gothrop at McFatter/Masonic Cemetery under the direction of Hixson Funeral Home. A memorial service will be scheduled at a later time.
Memorials may be made to the Pine Grove Baptist Church, C/O N. Marcantel, Treasurer, 1041 Holbrook Park Rd., DeQuincy LA 70633 or the charity/church of choice. Cards and words of remembrances may be shared with John Dunham, 3428 N. Hwy. 27, Sulphur LA 70663.
