Anne Matthews Whelan

Anne was born and raised in Newberry, SC to Maude Hamilton and Clinton Britt "Billy" Matthews. She attended both Winthrop and Newberry Colleges, where she received a degree in English. While in college, she met her husband of 64 years, William Wood "Bill" Whelan. They were as different as night and day, but were a perfect match. They had three children - Janice Leigh, Michael Allen and Nancy Anne Whelan. Over the years the family lived in Rock Hill, SC, Waterford and Noank, CT, and since 1971, Cary, NC.

Anne spent many rewarding years as a volunteer at Wake County Human Services, where her contributions and kind heart were greatly appreciated by both staff and patients. A majority of her time through the years however, was as a devoted wife and mother to her cherished family, whom she loved beyond measure. She was also an active member at Noank Baptist Church (CT), First Baptist Cary and Greenwood Forest Baptist Church (NC), where she got immense joy singing in their choirs.

If you knew Anne, you knew and appreciated her gift of conversation, love of music, love of God, love of cats, and selfless soul. Her purpose in life was to share love, joy, kindness, compassion, her huge heart and beautiful smile, all of which she did well and often, to the great pleasure of all whose paths she crossed. The world was definitely a brighter place with her in it.

Anne was predeceased by her beloved husband, Bill and her eldest daughter, Jan.

She is survived by her son, Michael, his children, David (Kacey) and Margot (Nick), her daughter, Nancy and son-in-law, Les, nieces Chris, Lucie, Liz, Sally and Jacqui, and nephew, James.

In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make a memorial contribution to the American Cancer Society (in honor of her father, husband and daughter), the Greenwood Forest Baptist Church music ministry, or a cause that is most meaningful to you.