South Florence High School Softball Player Kristi Leigh Anderson’s Death Leaves a Lasting Legacy in Education and Athletics
A life rooted in Florence.
September 5, 2026
This article was last updated by Rohit Maharjan on September 5, 2026
Kristi Leigh Anderson, 58, passed away on Wednesday, September 3, 2026, after a brief illness, leaving behind a legacy of athletic excellence and lifelong dedication to education.
Born in Florence, South Carolina, she was the daughter of Mary Lee Griffin Anderson and the late John Monroe Anderson, Jr.
Kristi Anderson excelled both on and off the field. After graduating from South Florence High School in 1985, where she distinguished herself in softball, basketball, and volleyball, she continued her athletic career at Francis Marion University.
From 1986 to 1989, she recognition as a four-year All-American in women’s softball. She also served as a student assistant coach and graduated in 1990.
Her athletic achievements earned her a place in the Francis Marion Athletic Hall of Fame in 1995 and later the Florence Athletic Hall of Fame in 2010.
Kristi also pursued higher education, earning a master’s degree in Education Administration and Supervision from the University of South Carolina.
Kristi Leigh Anderson’s death marks the loss of a beloved educator, athlete, and community leader (Source: Facebook) Kristi Anderson dedicated 38 years to shaping the lives of students in Florence District 3.
She worked as a teacher, coach, athletic director, assistant principal, and principal throughout her career.
At the time of her passing, she served as vice-principal at J.C. Lynch Elementary School in Scranton, where she continued to inspire students and colleagues.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Kristi Anderson remained a devoted member of Greenwood Baptist Church and a passionate supporter of the USC Gamecocks.
Her family and friends remember her as someone who gave selflessly to her community and loved ones.
She is survived by her mother, Mary Lee Anderson of Florence; her brother, Brian D. Anderson (Heather) of Richmond, Virginia; her niece, Sarah Whitney Abernathy (Kameron) of Chattanooga, Tennessee; her nephew, Douglas Anderson (Abby) of Dalton, Georgia; five aunts—Judy Boone of Myrtle Beach, June Bremer of Baton Rouge, Pawnee Kenimer, Diane Bramlett, and Peggie Anderson, all of Florence—as well as many cousins in South Carolina and Louisiana.
Family, friends, and former students will gather to celebrate Kristi Anderson’s life.
The visitation will take place on Friday, September 5, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Waters-Powell Funeral Home, 400 S. Dargan Street, Florence, SC.
A memorial service will follow on Saturday, September 6, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Greenwood Baptist Church, 2401 Claussen Road, Florence, SC.
Kristi Leigh Anderson’s death marks the loss of a beloved educator, athlete, and community leader whose impact will live on through the countless lives she touched.
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