Anna Xenakis

Asheville - Anna Xenakis, of Asheville, North Carolina, passed away on May 30, 2019, after a short illness. A native of Chios, Greece, Anna was the beloved mother of Hope Xenakis (Ray), Betsy Xenakis, Xenoula Maria Easton (Brian), and Frances Earnhardt, and much adored Yiayia to granddaughter, Alexandra Easton. She is preceded in death by her husband of over 45 years, Stelios Xenakis; her parents, Athanasios and Fotini Karthasi; her sisters, Maria and Vasilia Karthasi; her brother Kyriakos Karthasi; her brother-in-law, John Xenakis and her sister-in-law, Georgia Xenakis; along with her sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law in Greece.

Her parents survived the horrific population exchange of Greeks in the Greek part of Cesme, Turkey, and settled in Chios. Anna is survived by several beloved nieces and nephews, living in Asheville, including the Arakas family, New York and Greece, as well as a first cousin she spoke to every month without fail from Adelaide, Australia and sister-in-law, Evangelia Karthasi.

Immigrating in the late 1950's, Anna assisted her husband, Stelios, at his first restaurant in Biltmore Village, The Plaza Café. He then opened Johnny O's Sandwich Shoppe on Battery Park Avenue in Asheville in the 1970's. Anna was a long standing member of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Asheville, as well as a member of the Philoptochos Society. She volunteered tirelessly helping bake Greek delicacies for church bake sales and festivals.

Anna never met a stranger and loved to show them her affection through her kind deeds and delicious treats. Despite a language barrier, she managed to have friendships with neighbors, customers from Johnny O's, and everyone she ran across. Her warm personality and keen sense of humor will be deeply missed by all.

The family will be receiving friends at Morris Funeral Home, 304 Merrimon Ave., on Sunday, June 2, 2019 starting at 5:00pm followed by a Trisagion service at 5:50pm. The funeral service will be held at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 227 Cumberland Ave., at 11:00am on Monday, June 3, 2019. Both services will be officiated by Father Michael Diavatis. Following the burial service at Ashelawn Gardens, a Makaria luncheon will be held at the Tony and Helen Morris Hellenic Cultural Center.

In lieu of flowers, a donation made be made to the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Foundation or Church, 227 Cumberland Ave., Asheville, NC 28801.

Morris Funeral Home is assisting the family. Condolences may be sent through the website, www.morrisfamilycare.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Asheville Citizen-Times from Jun. 1 to Jun. 3, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Anna Xenakis

Sponsored by Morris Funeral & Cremation Care - Asheville.

7 Entries

Colleen Byrd

August 25, 2019

Anna was the first to greet us when we moved to Asheville in 2017. Her warm smile, hugs and kind heart felt. We enjoyed her company often sitting on the porch with her and she always gave us sweet greek cookies before we left. We send our deepest sympathies to the family. She will be missed and hearing of her passing is heartbreaking.

June 3, 2019

I was saddened to hear of Kyria Anna's passing, was hoping to make it up for the service unfortunately will not be able to make it. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family during this difficult time.
Bill Moysakis and family

June 3, 2019

I was saddened to hear of Kyria Anna's passing was hoping to be at the service, unfortunately will not be able to make it. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family during your time of loss.

Bill Moysakis and family

Dora, Susan and John Poulos

June 1, 2019

Anna was a very dear friend of momma, Dora Poulos they would spend time on the phone daily . Anna was the sweetest, loving and caring person we know.
I remember her at Johnny O's when I worked at John Carroll's across the street. She always said hello to Everyone.. there were No strangers to her .
Our deepest condolences to the family. Our hearts go out to all of you. May you find comfort knowing she will be in Heaven with Christos .. she will be an Angel watching over all of us . Our love for her will be eternal . Everyone will truly miss her dearly.
With all our love , Dora, Susan and John Poulos

John

June 1, 2019

Kind thoughts are with your family at this very difficult time of grief. May your fond memories bring you comfort. God's promise at Jeremiah 29:11,12 will give you strength.

May 31, 2019

Dula, I'm so sorry for your loss! My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May you find peace in knowing that your mom is resting in the arms of the Lord.
Sincerely,
Lisa Bircher

Scott Kenyon

May 31, 2019

I met Ana over 15 yrs ago when I was dating my now wife. Thea Ana was always so sweet and kind to me from the first time I met her to the last time I saw her. Heaven definitely added a good one with Ana.

May her memory be eternal.

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