Anne Denmark Beaty

Anne Denmark Beaty passed away peacefully at home in the early morning hours of Saturday, November 5. She was born Anne Polk Denmark at Rex Hospital on March 14, 1937, daughter of the late Annie Burt (Stainback) Denmark and the late Leonidas Polk Denmark. Anne had deep roots in Raleigh. She grew up on The Circle, attended Hayes Barton Grammar School when Myrtle Underwood was principal, swam at the Hayes Barton pool, ate grilled pimento cheese sandwiches with cherry Pepsi at Mr. Gattis’ pharmacy and learned from Eunice Martin to love the piano and classical music. She attended Needham Broughton High School. From 1955 to 1958 Anne was a student at Woman’s College (now UNC-Greensboro). She made her debut at the Terpsichorean Ball in 1957.

In June 1958 Anne married Lt. William D. Beaty of Raleigh. They lived at Camp Lejeune and Quonset Point, RI before returning to Raleigh in June 1960. She worked for the NC Personnel Department; then as a housewife and mother to their three children.

In 1969, Anne was responsible for the care of her mother, who lingered with cancer until 1971. Her mother’s struggle gave a new direction to Anne’s life as she learned of the overwhelming difficulties facing homebound ill and elderly. In 1983, Anne entered Meredith College then transferred to UNC-Chapel Hill with an emphasis on design of activities programs. She graduated in 1986. Anne initially worked in the programs department at the Springmoor Retirement Community then became the Director of Senior Adult Ministry at Edenton Street United Methodist Church. This was the opportunity of a lifetime for Anne as she could serve senior and infirm members at the church which she loved. She visited hospitals and nursing homes and established special relationships with members who could no longer come to church themselves. A special joy for her was accompanying the ministers to many of these homes at Christmas and Easter to offer communion.

A lasting tribute to her life’s mission is the Ruth Sheets Adult Care Center at the church. She recognized the needs of both the ill individuals and their family members and believed it was a role which her downtown church could help meet. From her initial concept until final approval and opening, it was her energy which led to this organization. For over 25 years the Sheets Center has provided loving care to hundreds of elderly and respite for families.

Her great grandfather, Leonidas L. Polk, was first Commissioner of Agriculture in NC, founder of the Progressive Farmer magazine, a leader in assuring that the college which became NC State University was located in Raleigh, one of those responsible for opening Meredith College and a populist champion of the small farmer in the state. When his Raleigh home was moved and restored on Blount Street, she was a member of the board of the Polk House Foundation. With furniture and artifacts she had inherited Anne, was able to give many of the original furnishings now in the house.

She is survived by her husband, and by her children Virginia Beaty Cleary (George Holt), Thomas Polk Beaty (Bess Beaty) and William Yates Beaty, as well as her grandchildren Will Cleary, Mary Yates Beaty and Bowen Beaty.

With a unique understanding of Alzheimer’s, Anne faced the disease with courage and fortitude.

We are indebted to Transitions Hospice for their involvement and assistance with Anne. There are a devoted group of caregivers who worked to bring her a more comfortable life: Armella, Crystell, Latasha, Sally, Stella and Connie who pushed through the veil of Alzheimer’s to find Anne’s humor and personality bringing joy to her and to us.

Finally thanks to friends who continually supported both Anne and Bill: Ann Faust, Patti Rockefeller, Gene and Anne Jones, Glenn and Margaret Sutton and Frank and Emma Wall.

It was especially gratifying for Lea Denmark of Sedona, Arizona to visit Raleigh and spend many hours with Anne.

Those who may wish to make memorial contributions may do so to the Ruth Sheets Center, Edenton St. UMC, 228 W. Edenton Street, Raleigh, 27603, or the Alzheimer’s organization of your choice.

At 3:00 on Monday, November 14, there will be a memorial service at Edenton Street United Methodist Church. The family will receive guests at the church immediately following the service.