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Ann Willcox Rawls

January 11, 1924 ~ December 26, 2023

EASLEY, SC – Ann Willcox Rawls, age 99, passed away on Tuesday, December 26, 2023. Born in her beloved home place ‘La Valle’ Halifax County, NC on January 11, 1924, she was the daughter of the late Albert Gee Willcox, Sr. and Pauline Bethea Willcox. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Robert Watson Rawls; her daughter, Debra Rawls Smathers; her sister, Mason Willcox Kruger; and her brothers, Albert Gee "A.G." Willcox, Jr. and William Graham Willcox. Ann was a faithful member of First Baptist Church since 1943. She loved her church family and taught Sunday School, Girls Auxiliary and served on various committees. Ann attended a year at Campbell University, before attending Parkview Nursing School where she was an Army Cadet Corp student nurse during WWII, but the war ended before she was able to serve. She always spoke about how she loved being a nurse and worked for many years at Nash General Hospital. Ann married the love of her life Bobby in 1946 and together they lived a charmed life. They cherished their travels and set foot in every state and even a few European countries. She even did several mission trips to Cambodia with her church and a trip to the Holy Land. Ann and Bobby loved to dance and attended many June Germans in their early years when big bands would come to Rocky Mount. After moving to Foothills Presbyterian Community in Easley, SC she loved to listen to their talented piano player and would get in a few dances when he played. Ann was loved by many for her kindness, goodness and exuberance for life. Ann is survived by her daughter, Lee Rawls Dickinson and husband, Steve; her sister, Mary Ruth Willcox Coss; her brother, Justis Nelson "J.N." Willcox; and many nieces and nephews. A Memorial Service to celebrate Ann’s life will be held on Saturday, January 6, 2024, at 1:00 PM at First Baptist Church of Rocky Mount, 200 S. Church Street, Rocky Mount, NC 27804, with Rev. Bill Grisham and Rev. Luke Lunceford officiating. Visitation with the family will immediately follow the memorial celebration. A heartfelt thank you to the staff, chaplain and resident friends at Foothills, many of whom became her extended family where she enjoyed her last years. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Ann’s memory to First Baptist Church of Rocky Mount, 200 S Church St., Rocky Mount, NC 27804, Presbyterian Communities of South Carolina (Foothills), 2817 Ashland Road Columbia, SC 29210, or a charity of your choice. Condolences may be made to Lee Dickinson, 123 Riverlook Lane, Piedmont, SC 29673. Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.

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  1. I met this wonderful women 1979 when I was a new hire at Nash General Hospital she and I embraced and became work partners, friends, associates immediately with us both being raised in the country side of Enfield, NC and being farm girls and now professional nurses. All I have is fond and wonderful . memories. Sleep on my friend and take your rest. Loretta Scott Richardson, Jeffrey & Family

  2. I have many fond memories of Mrs. Rawls from my GA days at First Baptist Church. She was a wonderful teacher. I remember reciting Bible verses and completing other requirements as we progressed through the steps of Girls Auxiliary. May you all be comforted by God’s peace and love in the days ahead. Debra Talbott Slavin

  3. Aunt Ann I remember fondly from the happy times of the holidays and summer vacations in two special locations. One was “Up Home” at the farm where she was born near Brinkleyville crossroads, and the other was at “The Cabin” off the Pamlico Sound near little Washington, N.C. All her nieces and nephews played together in both places, along with her own kids, Debbie and Lee.
    Uncle Bobby was always to me the entertainer and comedian, whether it was juggling oranges while being pulled on water skis at the Rawls’ cabin or making a wisecrack at the Willcox dinner table. I’m sure Aunt Ann laughed at all his jokes, but to me, she was the one who was continually in a good humor. It’s like she was always keeping alive the memory of a good punchline. She was always the one with such a beaming smile, with her bright blue eyes and red hair all aglow. Aunt Ann always had a friendly word to say.
    Thanks, Aunt Ann, for being such an important part of the Willcox family gatherings. You’re being Up Home and at The Cabin live on in those happy memories.

    Love, Stan Coss (Stanny)

  4. Tribute to Ann Willcox Rawls

    I have so many fond memories of Aunt Ann. Since I grew up “next door” to LaVallee – Ann’s and my Daddy’s (A. Gee’s) home place – it was always convenient to be “up home” whenever the family would gather. Rocky Mount was “town” for our family, and oftentimes when we would go to town for groceries or other shopping, Ann and Bobby’s home was frequently a stopping place for a quick visit. Some of my best Christmas memories were at their house. Every year, their Christmas tree was the MOST BEAUTIFUL tree this little girl had ever seen— the Frazier firs or balsam trees that were covered with gorgeous ornaments and filled their living room— always seemed to be much grander than our “chopped in the woods” cedar trees. But the best part was always Ann’s bright smile, sweet giggle and warm hugs. I remember her serving as “camp nurse” at GA Camp Chowan ( and I was so proud that she was my aunt). She loved being a nurse, but mostly, Ann just loved “being” and showing others how much she loved them.
    Years later, after my marriage and move to Arkansas, Ann and Bobby visited us in our home several times. After the deaths of my parents, our children claimed her as their “adopted” grandmother. She sat in that honored spot at our son’s wedding and danced down the aisle along with the bridal attendants during the recessional! There was ALWAYS fun to be had when Ann was around.
    What a life well- lived and well-loved.

    Alix Willcox Snyder

  5. Prayers for you all. Ann will truly be missed and was loved by us at work. She always made me laugh and I loved getting the honor of being able to care for her and seeing you Lee come visit her. I will always remember when I would tell her she looks beautiful today, she would say you need to go to the eye doctor 😂. She was such a lovely lady and had a heart of gold. Again prayers to you all. Kayla💜

  6. Ann was such a wonderful person. I worked with her at Nash General in the late 70’s and 80’s. She was professional, smart, & always kind. Everyone that worked with her loved her. Her smile and the twinkle in her eye often lifted the spirits of her patients & coworkers. I have thought of her often over the years as what a nurse & person should aspire to. You will never be forgotten.

    Bonita Aycock

  7. Oh sweet Ann. I have many memories that all include humor and love. Debbie and Lee were always like sisters. I live in Greer SC and had planned to go see her and really regret not following through. Please accept my hearthelt condolences. Love to all. Cathy Jones Wells


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