Georgia Huffman Anthony

Georgia Huffman Anthony, of Cary, NC, passed from this life to her eternal rest on Sunday, July 6th, having reached the age of 96. She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 72 years, Horace Taylor Anthony, in August 2023. Georgia was born to the late Raymond and Minnie Huffman in Burlington on March 19, 1929. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her sister, Peggy Huffman Flinchum (James), and brothers, Carson Huffman (Mary) and Harvey Huffman.

Surviving to cherish her memory are her two children, Susan Anthony Chamberlain (Ronnie) of Fuquay-Varina and Mark Wayne Anthony (Kelly) of Greenville, NC, four grandchildren, Michael Williams (Denise) of Kernersville, Braxton Anthony (Bailey), Wilson Anthony (Taylor), Elizabeth Knowles (Barrett), all of Raleigh, nine great-grandchildren, and one great-great granddaughter. Nieces Janie Pope of Greenville, SC, Janie Sulecki (Richard), and Treva Hornaday (Terry), both of Burlington, nephews Edward Flinchum (Cheryl) of Burlington, and David Parker (Shirley) of Cary. Shirley’s visits and support were unwavering and deeply appreciated.

By her account, Georgia was very blessed with a happy childhood, growing up in a tight-knit community surrounded by close and loving relationships with her immediate and extended family and friends. She recounted that her many cousins were a never-ending source of abiding friendship and fun. Georgia was baptized at Low's Lutheran Church and nurtured into adulthood as she enjoyed her church family and social activities that were central to the values she carried throughout her life.      

It was at Low's that she married the love of her life, Taylor, in April 1951, and began the adventure of becoming a military wife. Georgia and Taylor, both born and reared in Burlington, NC, set out to begin their life together soon after their wedding in Albuquerque, New Mexico. This was their first of many exciting locales during Taylor's US Air Force career, of which a three-year assignment in Seville, Spain, was a major highlight. As a devoted wife and mother, Georgia was instrumental in ensuring that moving and establishing new homes for her family went smoothly.

Upon the completion of their military service, Georgia and Taylor returned to live in Raleigh, NC. Georgia enjoyed making a home for her family closer to their parents and many relatives in their home state. She began a satisfying career with the News and Observer, retiring after 30 years of service. They subsequently relocated to Cary, NC, where they resided for 40 years.

Georgia was a former decades-long member of First United Methodist Church of Cary, where she was an active member of the Ellis/Bland Sunday School Class, the Wesleyan Circle, and she and Taylor enjoyed many trips with the JOY group. Georgia was a member of the Pilot Club service organization and especially enjoyed serving as a long-time volunteer at DORCAS shop of Cary. An accomplished pianist, she was gladly obliged to play throughout her life at various places and times when called upon.

Of particular enjoyment in her retirement was the time she spent with Taylor at their retreat at Kerr Lake, where they enjoyed boating and fishing, and the beauty of nature walks. Ever the welcoming hostess, she loved nothing more than having her children, grandchildren, extended family, and friends to share in the peace and tranquility the lake offered. She took special pleasure in preparing food for her family during these outdoor excursions. As a wonderful cook, she will long be remembered for not only these summer cookouts, but the many delicious special occasion and holiday meals she lovingly prepared for her family at home, served on her dining room table laden with everyone’s favorites. A staple of every special occasion was Grandma's "Magic Cookie Bars."

Throughout all of her life's endeavors, the friendships she made along the way were lasting, and a truer and more loving friend one would be hard pressed to find. She had a special affinity for babies and young children, who responded spontaneously to the caring heart and love her personality exuded. In her elderly years, this trait was rewarded as those whose care she came under sensed her tender and loving heart and were drawn to her with an earnest desire to give her the wonderful care that made her last years meaningful and joyful. She became "everyone's grandma."

Georgia was a member of the Wesleyan Sunday School Class at Fuquay-Varina UMC, where she became a member with Taylor in 2016. She felt very blessed to have made precious friendships there and was deeply grateful for the outreach and support of her church family. At the close of a life well-lived, she leaves a legacy of love that will have a far-reaching influence on family and friends.

Memorial tributes and messages of sympathy can be left by clicking the “Add a Memory” box below. Brown Wynne of Cary is honored to serve the Anthony family.