Ann Willcox Rawls

1924 - 2023

Ann Willcox Rawls 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.

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.