by Shawn Nowlin
Few things make Eric Anderson happier than making memories with his best friend and wife, Tracey. The two soulmates met in college, have been married for 29 years and are the proud parents of Erica, 26, and Tre, 18.
“Tracey is truly my rock. She’s supported every dream I’ve had and encouraged me to share my gifts with the world. We both have a heart for education and spent our careers working with students in Roanoke City,” Anderson said. “She’s currently the principal of William Fleming High School, and yet somehow still finds time to effectively wear so many hats.”
(Mother2Son’s Catering)
Strongly influenced by his mother, Martha, growing up, Anderson spent a lot of time with her, especially in the kitchen.
“My mom is where I learned how to cook – but more importantly, that’s where I learned about character and perseverance. My mom showed me what it means to stay strong when life gets tough. She passed away in 2018,” he said.
A 1990 graduate of William Fleming, Anderson furthered his education at Virginia Tech, eventually earning a degree in psychology. Shortly thereafter, he began his career in education. Today, he serves as the principal of Falling Branch Elementary School in Christiansburg.
“Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of serving as an elementary special education teacher, a third-grade teacher, a principal, and later an assistant superintendent for Roanoke City Public Schools,” he said. “Along the way, I earned a master’s from Hollins University, an education specialist degree from the University of Virginia, and a PhD from Regent University.”
As Anderson got older, in the back of his mind, he always knew he wanted to create a business that paid tribute to his family traditions and the special bond between him and his mother.
Explaining how Mother2Son Catering came to be, he said, “It’s built on love, legacy, and a genuine passion for creating experiences that bring people together. At Mother2Son, we believe food should do more than fill you up – it should make you feel something. Every dish tells a story, and every event we cater is an opportunity to help people celebrate life’s moments, both big and small,” Anderson said.
Added Tracey, “We offer full catering and event planning services. We take pride in going the extra mile – from presentation to service. For us, it’s also about excellence and care in every detail. When people choose Mother2Son, they’re not just getting a meal—they’re getting an experience. Every event is uniquely designed and personalized because, as we like to say, ‘You eat with your eyes first.’”
Anderson couldn’t be prouder at what he and his wife have accomplished together, both personally and professionally. “Through our business, I’ve also had the joy of seeing my children grow and learn valuable skills – lessons they can one day pass down to their own children, just as my mother taught me,” he said.
Additional information can be found at https://mother2son.org.
