Ann Stephenson Warmath

Ann was born on July 18, 1933 in Quebec to Roy C. Stephenson of Fuquay Varina, NC and Hilda Moorehouse Stephenson of Burnley, England, She was the oldest of five children and was devoted to her siblings throughout her life.

She was a graduate of Needham Broughton High School in Raleigh where she was twice named “Miss Needham Broughton” for her participation in school activities as well as her academic excellence. Following graduation from Needham Broughton she attended Flora McDonald College in Red Springs, NC where she graduated with honors. Ann then attended Presbyterian Union Seminary in Richmond, Virginia. Following her studies at the seminary, she became a Director of Christian Education at First Presbyterian Church in Greensboro where she was a dedicated member. Ann served as both an Elder and Deacon in the church and on a number of committees. She remained active in the church until her health no longer permitted.

Ann retired in 1994 from Women’s Hospital as the Patient Relations Specialist and Volunteer Coordinator. She was dedicated to her job and found great joy in a number of lasting relationships that began during her years there. She was the first recipient of the Rachel I. Clement Award which was established to be given annually to a member of the staff who demonstrated a deep commitment to the ideals of compassion and excellence in the provision of healthcare.

Ann was predeceased by her parents and youngest brother Robert Hinton Stephenson. She is survived by her husband of 59 years, William Tinsley Warmath of Friends Homes West in Greensboro. She is also survived by her daughter, Lyn Warmath-Boyd and husband Steve of Winston Salem, son William Warmath, Jr. and wife Katie of Greensboro, grandchildren Kathryn Price Whiteheart and husband Clay of Winston Salem, grandson Robert Stephenson Price and fiancé Julianna Graham of Charlotte, Daniel Warmath and wife Jessica of Irmo, South Carolina, Kendall Moffitt and husband Seth and Casey Warmath all of Greensboro. She is also survived by four great-grandchildren, Tinsley Whiteheart, Shelby Whiteheart, Mason Moffit and Reagan Rissell. She leaves to cherish her memory a host of very special nieces and nephews who adored their Aunt Ann.

Her surviving siblings are Betty S. Warren and husband Harry of Fuquay Varina, NC, Roy C. Stephenson, Jr. and wife Dare of Youngsville, NC and Sandra S. Ferrell and husband Charles of Thompson Station, TN.

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Ann was a loving and devoted wife, mother, ‘Nana’, sister, aunt and friend. She was a lifelong learner and a voracious reader. She instilled a love of reading in both her children and grandchildren. For all who knew her, Ann served as an inspiration and modeled each day what living by the Golden Rule meant. She was a beacon for honesty, curiosity, independence, courage, justice and fairness. She was a fierce advocate for women’s equality; supporting and encouraging her own daughter from a young age to speak out and stand firmly for own her beliefs as well. She lived fully with joy and optimism even as she faced her worst fear; Alzheimer’s disease.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, November 10, 2014 at 11:00 am in the Chapel of First Presbyterian Church of Greensboro with Reverend Peggy Matthews presiding. There will be a reception in Redhead Hall immediately following the service. The family will have a private committal in the columbarium of the church prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Ann’s memory can be made to the Alzheimer’ Association of Northwest North Carolina: 3800 Shamrock Drive, Charlotte North Carolina 28215 or to Greensboro Urban Ministry: 305 W. Lee Street, Greensboro North Carolina 27408

The family wishes to thank Ms. Michelle Blackwell, Ms. Sarah Sutton, Ms. Mary Ruth Diffey, Ms. Nancy Courts, Friends Homes West and the staff of Hospice and Palliative Care of Greensboro for their kindness and support. They would also like to express their very deep gratitude to Dr. William Hickling for his treatment of Ann through the long process of her disease and for his compassionate support of her family.

On line condolences may be sent to www.haneslineberryfuneralhomes.com.