Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

October 16, 2023

CHARLOTTE – Aphrodite Kastanas Anderson but to all who knew her “Aphroula” passed away peacefully on Monday, October 16, 2023.  Aphroula was born in Karyes, Laconia, Greece to Maria Skiouris and George Kastanas. 

After the end of World War II and the failed attempt of the Communist Party to take over Greece, Aphroula along with her two sisters, Lula and Ellie, and their mother, Maria, boarded a ship to America and landed in New York City on October 8, 1950.  There they met their father George whom they hadn’t seen since the war broke out.  Together they went to Charlotte, NC to begin a new life, where their father had immigrated before WWII and established a home for them.  Several years later after learning a new language and graduating from Central High School, Aphroula met the love of her life the affable restauranteur James “Jimmie” Anderson.  They were married in 1954 and shortly thereafter began their family.  When she wasn’t beside her husband working at Anderson’s Restaurant, she was busy raising her family of four children or volunteering at their church, Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral.  She was devoted to the church and served in various capacities there throughout her lifetime.  She was one of the original organizers that started the Greek Festival which is still held annually.  Aphroula was also past Chair of the Heart Ball and volunteered many hours at Charlotte Latin School where her boys all attended.  She had a passion for cooking and entertaining and hosted many, many large family and extended family gatherings at her home where the table was always bountiful.  Aphroula would make any newcomer to Charlotte and the church feel welcomed.  She was the embodiment of “Philoxenia”.

Aphroula is survived by her four children, Renee Collins and her husband, Daryl, Gary Anderson, George Anderson and his wife, Lee Ann of Nashville, TN and John Anderson and his wife, Mimi.  Aphroula “Yiayia” will be deeply missed by her grandchildren, of whom she was immensely proud:  Philip Collins and his wife, Erica of Nashville, TN, James N. Anderson of Los Angeles, CA, Carter Anderson, Margaret “Liza” Anderson of Nashville, TN, James F. Anderson, Katherine “Kate” Anderson and James G. Anderson; three great-grandchildren and many beloved nieces and nephews.  Also surviving are her sisters, Lula Kouvaris and Ellie Harakas and her husband, Theodore and her sister-in-law, Bett Anderson Kofinas.  She was predeceased by her husband of 34 years, James A. Anderson, her parents, Maria and George Kastanas and her grandson, Christopher Collins. 

Funeral services will be held at 12:30 PM on Friday, October 20, 2023, at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral.  The family will receive friends at the church beginning at 11:00 AM until the time of the service.  Interment will follow at Evergreen Cemetery.  The service will be livestreamed at: https://vimeo.com/event/165729/457c79a80e for those unable to attend in person.

Memorials may be offered in memory of Aphroula to the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral Foundation or Altar Fund, 600 East Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28203 or St. Nektarios Greek Orthodox Philoptochos, 5108 Kuykendall Road, Charlotte, NC 28270.

May Her Memory Be Eternal.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.