Anne DeMoss Gehrke

Anne Demoss Stanton Gehrke, 96, peacefully passed away Sunday August 5, 2018 with her son

Frederick Paul Gehrke’s hand in hers. She was surrounded by family and loved ones in the

days leading up to her passing. Anne was herself in mind, in no pain, and did not suffer

during her last breaths. Her grandchildren Chris, Michael and Katie Gehrke were blessed to

have her close as they grew up and her love for them was immense. She was preceded in

death by her parents, William Webster Stanton and Sarah Demoss Stanton, sister, Margaret Stanton Hogsed, brother, William Watt Stanton, and husband, Victor Paul Gehrke. She was born in Greensboro, lived

in an orphanage in Raleigh, then spent the larger portion of her life back in Greensboro where

she had her son and watched her grandchildren grow.

The word exemplary is defined as “serving as a desirable model; representing the best of its

kind.” Anne Gehrke was an exemplary human being. After meeting her you gained and learned

something. Anne exemplified hard work. She found enjoyment and fulfillment in working hard.

She reveled in her independence in taking care of her home and yard. She raked her leaves

well into her 90’s, and if you tried to help her she simply wouldn’t accept. Anne showed us the

importance of staying active. She walked around town daily, where she touched many lives and

left people with smiles and laughter. She taught us to stay curious, stay informed, and challenge

yourself. She was always up to date on current events, the happenings of Greensboro, sports,

and her many friends and family’s lives. If she didn’t know something she took it upon herself to

find out, and she would share new knowledge to anyone who would listen. She exemplified pure

honesty and transparency, you never had to guess what she was thinking and she was always

unapologetically herself. She showed how even the simplest of selfless acts can enrich one's

life. Anne would pick up the papers at the end of her neighbors driveways and bring them up to

their porches- about this she said to her son “I have to help the elderly.” She personified

unconditional and unwavering love. She never judged. She genuinely just wanted everybody to

be happy. She saw the good and the light in everyone, even during their darkest times. Anne

was never greedy. She dedicated every ounce of her being to others, without ever needing,

expecting, or wanting anything in return. Anne was a very small woman, with a heart exceeding

her size 10 times over. Her son and grandchildren are blessed to carry parts of Anne along with

them forever. She will never be forgotten or left behind, as she will live on through them and see

them through whatever lies ahead.

Anne’s family will be holding a memorial service on August 18, 2018 at 11AM at Saint Benedict Catholic Church in Greensboro, where they encourage anybody to come celebrate Anne’s very full life.

Online condolences may be shared at www.haneslineberryfuneralhomes.com. Hanes-Lineberry N. Elm chapel is assisting the Gehrke Family.