Aunt Ann

 I received the news that my Aunt Ann passed away last night, she just turned 94 on January 7, 2023.  Aunt Ann was one of the older sisters among the 6 girls in my mom's family.  My Aunt Linda who is the baby (88 years young) of the sisters called me to tell me that she had passed away.  

My Aunt Ann was a tough lady who stood firm in her convictions.  She married the love of her life, my uncle Jodie on June 14, 1947, and was married until he passed away on June 22, 2003.  They owned a funeral home in Broadway, VA.  Their two sons eventually took over the business and have since passed it down to the next generation.  I used to love going there with my mom and watching her and her sisters laugh and fuss at one another.  I spent countless summers there and have so many fond memories that I will cherish for the rest of my lifetime. 

Aunt Ann would do the hair of the deceased and I would say, how can you do that?  She said it's not the ones that are dead that you have to worry about, it's the ones that are alive.  I would be so scared in her house sometimes when I knew there was a body downstairs.  All I knew is that I better go to the bathroom before bed and not drink anything after 6pm because once I was in bed, I wasn't getting out of it for anything until daylight!!  She had such a distinct voice and laugh.  

Reading her obituary today I learned that she helped form and organize the Broadway Little League.  Now that is awesome!  A woman after my own heart. 

I got to see Aunt Ann last year when we visited VA. I was wondering if when we pulled up to the nursing home if she would remember me.  It had been a couple years since I had visited and you know her "age" and all. I walk in and she lit right up and said well Jackie, get over here and give your Aunt Ann a hug.  She was 94 and sharp as a tack.  She had a better memory than I have, seriously!

Aunt Ann was another strong, fierce sister of Doris Jean.  I was comforted in knowing that Aunt Ann would be reunited with the love of her life and her siblings that would no doubt be waiting for her. 

Aunt Ann, I believe was born with that BOLDNESS until the very last breath of her 94th year!  She will be missed.  Be BOLD!