Ann Townsend Weaver

1932 - 2019

Ann Elizabeth Townsend Weaver, 86, departed peacefully to be with her Savior and Lord on January 1, 2019. Born March 22, 1932, Ann was the daughter of the late Percy William Townsend and Pattye Phillips Townsend. Ann met her husband, Francis Wayne Weaver, at her childhood church in Black Rock, Arkansas. Together they lived in St. Louis, Missouri; Pine Bluff, Arkansas; Omaha, Nebraska; and Charlotte, North Carolina while Wayne was employed by Texas Gulf, Incorporated. Upon moving to Charlotte in 1974, they were early members of Church at Charlotte, where they served and developed many life-long friendships.

Born into a musical family, Ann showed talent at an early age. Under the instruction of her mother and grandmother, she started playing piano at age nine and enjoyed sharing her musical gift with friends, family, and in churches throughout her life. A friend commented that Ann was the only person she knew who could make a piano pray. After contracting polio at age fourteen, Ann spent over a month in isolation from her family at Arkansas Children's Hospital. Ann's illness resulted in lifelong leg weakness, but she emerged with an attitude of perseverance. Though she could no longer run, she joined her school basketball team and played in a special position, under the basket, where she developed a strong shot. Ann was a good student, skipping a grade in school and graduating as Class Salutatorian. She graduated from the College of Commerce in Memphis, Tennessee and her career included working in banking and medical offices. She was secretary of the Arkansas Educational Advisory Committee during the school desegregation era. She was employed by Gray R. Boone Construction Company in Charlotte. Her most notable and enjoyable career achievement was partnering with her son, Dr. Steven Weaver, to start Sharon Lakes Animal Hospital in 1981. Her friendly nature and sharp business acumen combined with Steve's medical expertise created an exemplary veterinary practice. Ann had a thoughtful and caring nature. It was not unusual for her to write a cheerful note of encouragement to a friend going through a difficult time. It is no coincidence that several young friends "adopted" Ann as a mother-figure after losing their own mothers. Her kindness enriched the lives of a wide circle of friends and family.

Ann is survived by her son, Steven Wayne Weaver and his wife, Robin, along with her daughter, Annette Weaver Mason and her husband, Robert, all of Charlotte and her niece, Beth Byers Thurman of West Monroe, LA. She also leaves behind six grandchildren, to whom she was deeply devoted: Elizabeth Ann Weaver; David Carlton Weaver; John Townsend Weaver; Robert Elijah Mason V and his wife, Whitney; Katherine Townsend Mason Beasley and her husband, Chase; Ann Matheson Mason. Ann delighted in spending time with her grandchildren and created lasting and fun memories, which they hold dear. We will all miss her sweet nature, words and handwritten notes of encouragement and gratitude, her grace and beauty, her prayers and strong faith in Jesus. Ann was predeceased by her husband, Wayne, and by her sister, Nancy Townsend Byers of West Monroe, LA.

Ann's family would like to express their heartfelt appreciation for the loving and faithful care and companionship provided by Jill Archer. We are also grateful for the wonderful, caring staff of the Stewart Health Center at The Cypress of Charlotte. Visitation we be held on Friday, January 4, 2019, from 2:30-4:00 PM at The Cypress of Charlotte in the Clubhouse. A memorial service will be held at Church at Charlotte, 2500 Carmel Road on Saturday, January 5 at 1:00 PM. The family will receive friends following the service at the church. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association - Western Carolina Chapter, 4600 Park Road, Suite 250, Charlotte, NC 28209; or the ALS Association, NC Chapter. 4 N. Blount Street, Suite 200, Raleigh, NC 27601.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences can be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.

"To God Be the Glory"