Dr. Ann Pharr Elks

Dr. Ann Pharr Elks passed away on Monday, January 1, 2024, in her home in Tar Heel, NC. She was preceded in death by her parents Frances and Scott Pharr, as well as eight brothers and sisters.

Ann left behind her doting husband of 65 years William “Bill” Elks, her daughter MariAnne Elks Stoudt and a special nephew Pryor Gibson. She was a loving grandma to William Stoudt (Rachel) and Anna Beasley (Josh). She adored her great grandchildren Riley Stoudt, Wyatt Beasley and Hallie AnnMarie Beasley. She left many nieces and nephews that she loved dearly. She was loved by her big family.

Ann was a strong woman that loved God, her family, friends and community. She was an amazing educator. She gave her heart and talents to children in Bladen County in several different capacities. She was a teacher, a curriculum supervisor, program director and an assistant superintendent. She worked very hard to bring the best to the students in Bladen County. She awarded a Dr. Ann Elks Scholarship to students at East and West Bladen Schools. She was a very giving person and loved her many friends.

Ann also had a love of learning. She earned her PHD in education. She was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma. She helped initiate an amazing program for young children through the Head Start program called Amazing Readers. She hosted exchange students from Japan, South America, and Holland. She was a proud member of the Red Hat Society and an active member of the Beth Car Church.

Ann was a giving person who loved others, family, friends, and community. She will be truly missed.

The family will receive friends from 6-8 pm on Saturday, January 6, 2024 at Bladen Gaskins Funeral Home in Elizabethtown. A funeral service will be held on Sunday, January 7, 2024, at 3:00 pm at Beth Car Church in Tar Heel. The Reverend Johnny Simpson will officiate the services. Burial will follow the services in the church cemetery. Pallbearers for the service will be Matthew Batten, Ry Gibson, Aevry Hughes, Bart Pharr, Michael Pharr, Durham White, and Mike White.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Beth Car Church  PO Box 6 Tar Heel, NC 28392.