Anne Love Henry

Anne Love Henry died peacefully in her sleep at Bethany Woods care facility on June 1, 2016. Many relatives and friends knew her affectionately as “Linnie.” She had just celebrated her 93rd birthday on May 16.  Her funeral service will be at 2:00PM on Saturday, June 4, 2016 in New London United Methodist Church with Rev. Jim Pyatt officiating.  Burial will follow in the New London Cemetery.  The family will receive friends at Stanly Funeral and Cremation Care on Friday evening from 6 to 8 PM.

Anne was born to Walter and Iris Basinger in Rowan County near Luther’s Lutheran Church, a church her father helped build. She was one of thirteen children. Anne was preceded in death by two husbands William Roy Love and Simon Patrick Henry; by six brothers, Alton, Clay, Ed, Tom, Emanuel, and Rogers; and by three sisters, Mamie Sides, Stella Kirk, and Ginny Pollizzi; and granddaughter Tara Love.

Anne is survived by daughter Nancy Love Sands and her husband Jim and son William Roy Love, Jr. and his wife Beverly; grandchildren James Sands and his wife Bridget, Jane Sands Eaton and her husband Jeff, and Will Love; great grandchildren Jamie, Natalie, Josh, Matthew, Katie, and Molly Sands and Carson and Connor Eaton. Now the “Four Sisters” are “Three Sisters” Isabel Rowland, Claudine Hinson, and Ruby Waisner. There are dozens of cherished nieces and nephews. One nephew Robert Basinger was especially loved. His frequent visits in the afternoons included a treat, a Big Mac from McDonald’s.

Anne was an avid gardener who shared her flowers and vegetables freely. Her flowers and altar decorations adorned New London Methodist Church countless times. For years she filled a cornucopia spilling with fruits and vegetables for the church Thanksgiving celebration. If you were by her home on a sunny morning, no need to knock at the door because she would be outside weeding, planting, or gathering.

Over the years, Anne was a leader in the church and community. She was a Sunday School teacher and served on various church committees. For the church bake sale each year, Anne usually baked at least three cakes, and no cake mixes were ever used. She always cooked collard greens for the annual dinner served at the women’s prison. She served as a Scout leader, led the drive for the Salk vaccine, headed the drive for the Empty Stocking Fund, served as PTA president, worked with the Home Demonstration Club, taught Sunday School, served on the state Mental Health Board, volunteered in the Willy M program, and worked in political campaigns. She tutored children after school and during the school day in New London School.

Anne’s most interesting job was during WWII driving a streetcar in Washington DC. Her route included Pennsylvania Avenue! Before retirement Anne worked at Belk’s as buyer for the Ladies Ready to Wear department in Albemarle and Concord. During those years, she enjoyed twice a year trips to New York. She retired early to care for her ailing husband, Roy. After his death, she married Simon and eventually cared for him as his health declined too. For the last fourteen years, Anne has lived alone.

The most fun Anne ever had was going with the Four Sisters to Claudine Hinson’s beach house in celebration of birthdays. She loved going to the flea market with them and eating seafood at a favorite restaurant. Her sisters were faithful to her yearning to make those trips, and they catered to her every request. The last trip was in October, 2015 and Claudine helped Anne purchase $100 worth of tulips. Those tulips bloomed this spring, but Anne did not get to enjoy the colorful display.

Ruby Waisner provided daily care for Anne in the year prior to her being at Bethany Woods. Without Ruby, Anne could not have remained in her home well into her 92nd year. Ruby continued to care for her ailing sister even after Anne was living at Bethany Woods.

Faithful friends from New London Methodist Church are too many to name, but three women are especially appreciated, Pat Ingram, Katherine Rogers, and Judy Stickney. Ray Baker’s friendship to Anne is greatly appreciated too. For a number of years, Ray stopped to have a cup of coffee with Anne on his way to work. She looked forward to that visit, but for the family, it was an early morning check on Anne’s health and safety.

In recent months, Anne has been a resident of Bethany Woods where she received excellent care. The family would like to thank Anita and Nicole who were especially attentive and role models for what nurses strive to be. The family also thanks Pastor Jim Pyatt’s for his frequent visits the past year during Anne’s declining health.

Memorial contributions may be made to New London Methodist Church.

Stanly Funeral Home obituary