Annie Mckee

Annie Byrd McKee, age 76 of Clarkton went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus on Sunday, September 6, 2009 at Columbus Regional Medical Center. This beloved mom, grandmother, and friend courageously lived each day to the fullest despite recent health challenges.



Mrs. McKee was born in Bladen County on August 14, 1933 to the late Charles Castle and Virginia Barnhill Byrd. She was the oldest of four siblings.



When Annie was six years old, her mother recognized her musical talent, purchased a piano, and Annie began her first piano lessons. She continued to excel musically through high school. She graduated from Flora MacDonald College earning a Bachelor's of Music Degree with a minor in Organ and Bible. She also received a Master's of Music Degree with a concentration in performance at the University of Mississippi. After returning to Bladen County, she married David Baxter "D. B." McKee in 1958.



Music was always a passion for Annie and she was an accomplished musician. For many years, Annie taught piano lessons as an active participant in the National Guild of Piano Teachers and she directed the Clarkton High School Glee Club. She faithfully served as church organist and Minister of Music at Clarkton Presbyterian Church for over 35 years.



In additional to her music career, Annie also taught in the Bladen County public school system for twenty-three years.



Her service to the community spanned numerous organizations including Delta Kappa Gamma, and both United Daughters of the Confederacy and Daughters of the American Revolution which fostered her love of genealogy.



She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, D. B. McKee.



She is survived by two daughters; Frances Anne McKee Overby and husband Randall of Raleigh and Gail McKee Marsh and husband Rusty of Clarkton; two brothers, Charles Byrd of Tar Heel and Truman Byrd of Clarkton; one sister, Hilda Byrd Melvin of Elizabethtown; five grandchildren, Megan and Kathryn Overby; Kelly Anne, Billy and Allie Marsh.



The family will receive friends on Thursday, September 10, 2009 from 6:00 until 8:00 pm at Bladen-Gaskins Funeral Home.



Funeral services will be held on Friday, September 11, 2009 at 3:00 pm at Clarkton Presbyterian Church with Rev. Stuart Link officiating. Burial will follow at Bladen Memorial Gardens.



In lieu of flowers memorial may be made to Clarkton Presbyterian Church, 10433 N. College Street, Clarkton, NC 28433.