Sallye Hallberg Anderson

Sallye Hallberg Anderson, 71, of Clayton, passed away surrounded by her family, on July 28, 2017, due to complications from a fall after living a life rich with God’s blessings.

She is survived by her loving husband of almost 50 years, Andy Anderson, her beloved children, Tom Anderson (Jen) and Molly Anderson Hill (Alex), as well as five grandchildren — Smith, Sallye, and Hampton Hill, Jordan and Hank Anderson, as well as her brother Carl Hallberg (Patti) and Donna Hallberg Vaughan (Mark). Sallye was the proud daughter of Carl and Margaret Hallberg of Orlando, Florida.

Sallye was born Aug. 12, 1945, and was raised in Orlando. From the start, Sallye was confident, bright, honest, humorous, grounded and faith-based. She graduated from Edgewater High School and then went on to earn her degree from Wesleyan College in Macon. It was there that she met her future husband, Andy, who was president of Sigma Alpha Epsilon while Sallye was the SAE Sweetheart. Sallye and Andy married on Aug. 13, 1967, and settled in Atlanta, where she worked for Coca-Cola until her first child was born.

Sallye and Andy made lasting friendships in their Atlanta neighborhoods on Darlington Circle, Mornington Drive and Baker’s Farm. Sallye, at the age of 27, was focused on raising her son until she was diagnosed with a brain tumor, was told the tumor was inoperable and was given six months to live. Miracles do happen and she was saved thanks to God’s grace, her father Carl, and Dr. Albert Rhoton. The tumor turned out an operable Acoustic Neuroma. Sallye faced many physical challenges as a result of the tumor and countless follow-up surgeries. She was an inspiration to all in the way she handled these challenges with grace, courage, strength, and perseverance.

Her legacy won’t be about what she couldn’t do but rather her spirit, and what she could do. She never complained about her deficits nor did she ask “why me.” She had a unique acceptance of her situation, was truly thankful to be able to raise her son, have a miracle daughter two and a half years later, and enjoy life to the fullest while selflessly giving back in so many ways. She volunteered countless hours at her children’s schools before that was the norm, she was a leader with Rabun Gap Nacoochee Guild, and a tireless volunteer leader with the Acoustic Neuroma Association for 35 years, eight of those as president. She worked for organizations only while her children were at school, as her family was her first priority.

Sallye and Andy moved from Atlanta to Lake Burton full time in 2009 and have enjoyed the slower pace of life. She was always ready to get together with friends to needlepoint, drink tea, Bible studies, talk about everything or nothing, and laugh as laughter was a big part of her life. Sallye’s acceptance of everyone she met spoke volumes. She had a quiet and gentle strength, grace, and poise about her that few people exude — she truly listened to others, watched, accepted, encouraged, and was never critical but always insightful. She appreciated her family and friends so much and never took time with them for granted. Everyone who knew her felt better about life, the Lord, and themselves in Sallye’s presence.

A service was held Saturday, Aug. 5, at 3 p.m. at Wieuca Road Baptist Church in Atlanta, with a reception following. Guests are encouraged to wear colors in order to celebrate her life. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her name to the Acoustic Neuroma Association, 600 Peachtree Parkway, Suite 108, Cumming, Georgia 30041. www.ANAUSA.org

Habersham Crematory of Cornelia is in charge of arrangements.

The Clayton Tribune, Aug. 10, 2017