RICHMOND — Mrs. Anne Harwood Reese Carson, 87, formerly of Franklin, Virginia, passed away on May 10, 2017.

Anne was born in Purdy, Virginia, a daughter of the late Thomas Emmett Reese and Blanche Short Reese. She is predeceased by her beloved husband of 61 years, the late Beverley Frost Carson.
She is survived by her three children, son, Thomas Frost Carson; daughter, Beverley Carson Casper and husband, Robert; daughter, Mary Carson Jones and husband, Alan; her five grandchildren, Mary Claire and husband, Adam Williams; Carson and Abby Jones; Samuel and Mary Casper. Anne is also survived by her brother, Thomas Edwin Reese and wife, Judy; sister, Sue Reese Glasco and husband, Gene; and by her sister-in-law, Sadie “Tour” Carson. Anne has many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and many students that she cherished and kept in touch with for many years.
Anne graduated from Wakefield High School in 1947, and graduated from the College of William and Mary in 1951, where she was a member of the William and Mary Choir, Alpha Chi Omega Sorority and the Baptist Student Union.
Anne dearly loved the College of William and Mary, and served as the alumni secretary for the Class of 1951 for many years. Many of her happiest memories were from singing in the choir under “Pappy” Carl Fehr, and socializing with her many friends and Alpha Chi sorority sisters.
She was a founder of the South of the James Alumni Chapter for the College of William and Mary. She kept her William and Mary blanket and pillow nearby her bed at all times to remind her of her love for William and Mary.
Anne took voice lessons during high school and had a beautiful soprano voice. She was a soloist with many church, college and community choirs throughout her life. During the 1970s, she sang the National Anthem at many Roanoke Rapids High School football games. She sang many solos over the years for Franklin Baptist Church Choir; and was a devoted choir and church member at Franklin Baptist Church, where she also served as a deacon, as a messenger to the Blackwater Baptist Association, and as president and longtime member of the Woman’s Missionary Union.
Anne taught for many years, including high school in Culpepper, Virginia; junior high in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina; and middle school in Franklin. She relished teaching, dearly loved her students and always conducted herself as a proper teacher throughout her life, sometimes correcting grammar here and there along the way!
Anne was very passionate about her Reese, Simmons, Green, Owens, Short and Howell family histories and her Virginia heritage; and she saved many family pictures, books and documents to pass on through the family for generations.
She was an active member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Southampton Historical Society, the Franklin Music Study Club, the Franklin Woman’s Club — where she served as president and in many other leadership positions — and the Franklin-Southampton Concert Association for many years.
Anne will be forever remembered for her tireless devotion to her many activities, church, family, friends and students. She was well-respected for her hard work ethic, integrity, courage, passion and musical talent. No one in the world could talk more than Anne, and enjoy each conversation more than she. In fact, Anne never wanted any conversation to ever end! She will be forever etched in her family and friends’ hearts; and her feisty spirit, thoughtfulness, and endless energy will be missed by all.
The children would like to thank the Village at Woods Edge Assisted Living in Franklin; Westport Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, Richmond, Virginia; and Our Lady of Hope Health Center, Richmond; and Drs. Edwards, Furman and Wright for their extraordinarily compassionate care for our Mom throughout the past few years.
The funeral will be on Sunday, May 21, at 2 p.m. in Franklin Baptist Church, 208 N. High St., Franklin, followed by a light reception in the fellowship hall. Burial will be at 4:15 p.m. in the Wakefield Cemetery, followed by a reception at the Wakefield Baptist Church, 104 W. Church St., Wakefield.
Anyone wishing to make a memorial donation may send it to Franklin Baptist Church, 208 N. High St., Franklin, VA, 23851.
Online condolences may be sent to www.wrightfuneralhome.org.