Dolly Holden Anderson, 81, of Chipley, Fla., went home to be with the Lord on Jan. 21, 2026, in Panama City, Fla. She was born on Sept. 22, 1944, in Panama City to the late Charles and Mary Clyde Holden.

Dolly was a wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend. She is survived by her beloved husband of 62 years, Vernon Anderson of Chipley. Together they built a life rooted in faith, family and service. As a devoted wife, Dolly supported Vernon throughout his career in commercial construction, traveling with him in their early years and building a life together across Florida, Louisiana, Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina, Georgia, Arkansas, and New York. Following retirement, they returned to their home in Panama City, where they enjoyed being close to family, church and lifelong friends.

She leaves behind her children: daughters Stephanie (Kelly) Pippin of Bonifay, Fla., and Stella (Bret) Prather of Bryant, Ark.; and son Michael (Ramona) Anderson of Columbus, Ga. She is also survived by her brother, Ellis Nathan Holden (Jackie) of Fort Walton Beach, Fla., and sisters-in-law Lillian Stephens of Ponce De Leon, Fla., and Vivian Stroud of Camden, S.C.

Lovingly known as “MawMaw,” Dolly cherished her role as grandmother and great-grandmother. She was a proud grandmother to Mary Elizabeth (Jaime) Medina of Bonifay; Sarah (Kevin) Ingram of Chipley; Seth (Faith) Pippin of Bonifay; Ashley (Roan) Holbrook of Barnesville, Ga; Braxton Prather of Indianapolis, Ind.; and Branton Prather of Starkville, Miss. She was blessed with great-grandchildren Nolan, Noah, Charlie, Adalynn, Holden and Roan.

Also surviving Dolly is her bonus daughter, Amy Anderson Wilson (Tony), grandchildren Whitney Wilson and Derek (Sarah) Wilson, and great-grandchildren Hayden, Carter, Noah and Savannah - all of Rutherfordton, N.C. She is also survived by several nieces, nephews and extended family whom she loved dearly.

Preceding her in death were her infant son, Vernon Burrus Anderson Jr.; her son, Troy Scott Anderson; and her brother, Charles Bennett Holden, Jr.

Dolly retired from Bay Medical Center of Panama City after 25 years of dedicated service. She was a devoted follower of Jesus Christ and a long-time, faithful member of West Bay Baptist Church in West Bay, Fla., where she joyfully taught Sunday School for many years. Her faith guided her life and her love for others was evident in all she did.

Following her retirement, Dolly found a love of crafting and writing, penning many poems and short stories. She went on to become an accomplished author, writing three books: Remembering the Boondocks, Out of Nazareth and Winter Rental on the Mountain.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 27 at 11 a.m. at Wilson Funeral Home, 214 Airport Rd., Panama City, FL 32405, with visitation one hour prior to the service. Graveside services will follow at West Bay Baptist Cemetery, 15225 Memorial Circle, Panama City Beach, Fla. 32413.

Dolly will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her—especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, to whom she will always be “MawMaw.”