Ann Gaither

Ann shattered many barriers throughout her remarkable life, forging her own path with a clear vision and a full heart. As Carl Jung observed, the privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are. The more years Ann lived, the more fully she embraced her true self. Imagining a world without Ann Gaither is challenging. Her intensely determined nature makes it hard to believe that such a force of character would ever truly rest. Though Ann Gaither achieved many notable milestones, she was far more than a list of accomplishments and awards. Her deep emotions and boundless enthusiasm colored everything she did, leaving a profound mark on the world. Music, especially singing, was a constant source of joy for her, and it was with a joyful determination and song in her heart she refused to conform to the world’s expectations.

Raised in Lincolnton in a musically vibrant household, Ann was the eldest of three daughters. Her mother was known for her tap dancing and accordion skills, while her father imparted a stoic and ethical influence on her. Ann's early life was steeped in music and performance, setting the stage for her future achievements. She started as a music major at UNC-Greensboro and married Albert Cowles Gaither of Newton in 1954. She was a music teacher, and later a mother of four.

Ann's transition into the business world was unexpected by some but not by her father, with whom she worked and eventually succeeded as the CEO of the J.H. Heafner Tire Company. She became the first woman inducted into the Tire Industry Hall of Fame. Her business accolades include recognition on the Working Woman List of America's Top 50 Business Owners, C200, the Star Group 100 Top International Female Entrepreneurs, the Savvy 60 List of Top Women Business Executives, and the Lenoir-Rhyne College Business Leader of the Year Award.

Ann was also deeply committed to giving back to the business community and beyond. She was a founding member of the North Carolina Chapter of the International Women's Forum, the first female member and later president of the Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce, and the founding Director of the Broyhill Academy for Free Enterprise. Additionally, she served on the boards of the Society of International Business Fellows and Carolina Partnership. While undeniably successful in business, she was not limited just to it. Her passions extended into politics, education, the arts, community service, and church.

A devoted Democrat, Ann chaired the Catawba County Democratic Party and the Political Action Committee for the Foresight Committee. Governor Jim Hunt appointed her to the NC Department of Transportation Board and the Governor’s Business Council on the Arts and Humanities. She was honored with the Spirit of Democracy Award by the Catawba County Democratic Party.

In education, she was the first female trustee at UNC-Greensboro, a board member of Catawba Valley Community College, and served on the Boards of Visitors for Davidson College and the Babcock School of Management at Wake Forest University. She also chaired the Board of Advisors for Gardner-Webb College.

Ann’s commitment to her community was evident through her support of the Newton-Conover Auditorium, Rails to Trails, and her long-standing involvement with the Hickory Choral Society, where she served as president. As a church elder of First Presbyterian Church in Newton, she personally ensured that it could boast the most impressive organ in the county.

Ann was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Jean Heafner Harnack, granddaughter, Cora Gaither Shook, and her husband of 65 years, Albert Cowles Gaither.

She is survived by her sister, Carolyn Heafner Williams of Lincolnton; four children, William Cowles Gaither and Kate Gaither of Lake Norman, Susan Gaither Jones and Thomas Jones of Newton, Lawson Heafner Gaither and Jessica James of Hickory, and Albert Comer Gaither of Charlottesville, Va.; seven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and nephews Charles Harnack and David Harnack of Columbus, Ohio.

Her life will be celebrated on September 20th at 2:00pm at First Presbyterian Church in Newton, NC. The family will receive friends following the service.

Memorial contributions may be made to Carolina Caring 3975 Robinson Road, Building 3, Suite A, Newton, NC 28658 and/or The First Presbyterian Church Organ Fund, 701 N. Main Ave., Newton, NC 28658.

Willis Reynolds Funeral Home is honored to be assisting the family. Condolence may be emailed through our website at: www.willisreynoldsfh.com