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Anne Cobbs Smith Weatherford died peacefully on the evening of June 7, 2016 in Black Mountain, NC. Anne’s graceful presence and deep courage in the face of Parkinson’s disease were a testament to her strong spirit and deep faith. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Willis D. Weatherford, Jr. She is survived by her siblings: Alice Rutledge Smith Ramsey and Charles Stollenwerck Smith (Caroline); and her children: Edie (and Mick Hunt), Julia (and Hap Endler), Will III (and Janie Weatherford), Susan (and Brian Cole), and Alice (and Jeff Downes). Anne will also be missed by her grandchildren Priscilla, Arthur (and Brianna Hunt), Anna (and Brendan Sutton), Jeffrey, Peter and Christopher (Hunt); Pearl (and Ben Shirley), and Vergil (and Jessie Weatherford); Taylor (and Millie Weatherford), Willis IV (and Mary Weatherford) and Susanna Weatherford; Jess (Vaughan); and Avery (and Stephen Johnson), Rachel (and Jordan Palmer), Greta (and Ian Etherton) and Luke Downes. Her 13 great-grandchildren will continue her legacy of shining love and light into the world.
Born in Montgomery, AL on February 6, 1929, to Edith Stollenwerck and Carol Smith, Anne was the oldest of four children. After graduating Decatur High School, she earned her BA in Mathematics from Swarthmore College, where she met Willis, her future husband. Relationships defined Anne’s life: her relationship to God, husband, children, church and the wider community shaped her. Marrying Willis and giving birth to their five children was, in her words, “the most fulfilling episode in my life.” While first lady of Berea College she taught basic math to incoming freshmen, entertained numerous dignitaries, guests, students, faculty, and board members. Anne was an involved member of Union Church, earned her MA in Religion from Lexington Theological Seminary, and served on the board of Hindman Settlement School. She was also an activist for race relations and the peace movement – serving on the KY Human Rights Council for ten years and being a member of the Berea Peace Makers.
Moving to Black Mountain, NC in 1984, Anne worked as the Director of Christian Education at Grace Church, Asheville for ten years. She transferred her membership from Grace Church, Asheville to St. James, Black Mountain, where she was an active member of the newly established Mountain Chapter of The Order of St. Luke and she continued her studies in Education for Ministry.
Anne was an avid horsewoman, an inspiring teacher and life-long learner, a powerful intercessory prayer partner, and a gracious southern gentlewoman. Her Memorial Service and Celebration of Life will be held at St. James Episcopal Church, Black Mountain, NC on Saturday, June 18th at 11:00am, followed by a reception. There will also be a reception on Monday, June 20th at 4:00pm in the Community Room of Union Church, Berea, KY for people to greet the family. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be designated for either of the following:
• Willis D. Weatherford, Jr. Campus Christian Center, and mailed to Berea College, CPO 2216, Berea, KY 40404, or
• St. James Episcopal Church, and mailed to St. James Episcopal Church, PO Box 1087, Black Mountain, NC 28711.
Condolences may be sent to the family at
www.harwoodhomeforfunerals.com.

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