Ann Hollingsworth

Ann Hollingsworth was born October 5, 1943 in Chatfield County, NC, she passed away on Tuesday, November 7, 2023. Prior to moving to Brunswick County in 1986, Ann worked in real estate and was the owner of Griffin Hollingsworth Land Development as well as Spanky’s Inn, a popular tavern in the Charlotte area. Upon moving to Oak Island with her long time partner Dale Richardson, Ann immediately took an interest in community service. Ann volunteered with the American Red Cross for 5 years and served on the Boiling Spring Lakes Appearance Committee from 2001 until 2022. Ann joined the Southport Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce in 2021 where, as a Chamber Ambassador, Ann paid visits to local businesses and most often, would leverage her social media influence to promote them. As a cheerleader to many, this was a role Ann thoroughly enjoyed.

Of all of her posts, Ann’s time as a volunteer at Dosher Memorial Hospital was the assignment closest to her heart and the one that made her most visible to the community. Ann volunteered at Dosher from 2004 until the time of her death. She was an officer with the Volunteer Organization for six years, and had recently been installed as President. Ann’s main duty as a volunteer was working the hospital front desk, where she had greeted patients and visitors for 19 years. To many, she was “The lady in the hat” and became an unforgettable presence in the Dosher front lobby.

People naturally gravitated to Ann’s charm and larger than life personality. Ann had numerous friends and a wide social network. Most notably, she enjoyed her gatherings with the Sassy Sisters of Boiling Spring Lakes, a group of tight knit women who celebrated life and each other. Ann’s charisma, signature style, and servant heart elicited a fascination with Ann throughout the community. As a result, she became the subject of many feature articles in publications such as South Brunswick Magazine and The State Port Pilot.

Ann’s awards and honors included the Chamber of Commerce Ambassador of the Year award for 2022 and the 2020 Governor’s Service Award. Ann passed away on November 7th. She was preceded in death by her partner Dale Richardson. Ann is survived by her cousin Janis Griffin Courson and by a community who will be forever blessed by her memory, but will never quite be the same in her absence.

No arrangements for a memorial have been made at this time.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.peacocknewnamwhite.com for the Hollingsworth family.

Peacock - Newnam & White Funeral and Cremation Service, Southport, North Carolina.