Annie Nora Gaither was born on May 31, 1947, to Mr. Albert Bush and the late Ms. Myrtle Twitty in Mill Spring, North Carolina.
She attended New Hope School in Rutherfordton, North Carolina. While working in North Carolina, she met Lucious J. Gaither, who gave her the nickname “Sugar Babe.” Later, they moved to Fort Lauderdale, Florida; there, they were united in holy matrimony. In 1972, they relocated to Georgia, nesting in the Jamestown Community. Annie was an active member of Poplar Hill A.M.E. Church until her health failed. A dedicated employee at Pactiv in Covington, Georgia, she retired after several years of service.
Annie had a compassion for life and people. She enjoyed playing spades and gardening. Her grandson called her the “Queen of Heart,” because the love and compassion she gave to everyone who crossed her path. She knew family was much more than people connected by blood. They are the people who we can depend on to make us laugh, soothe our hearts and keep us focused.
On Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2018, God sent his angels from Heaven to bring her home. Annie was preceded in death by two sisters, Beverly Ann Hall and Saretta Bush and one aunt, Louise Miller.
Left to cherish her precious memories, her husband, Lucious James Gaither; daughter, Greg (Debra) Griffieth; sons, James Ray (Diane) Gaither, Kennedy (Valerie) Gaither, Alexander Gaither and Maurice Gaither; stepdaughters, Marquerita Creamer, Bernice Heath, Juanita Hayes, Judy G. Smith and Jakki Gaither; stepsons, James Gaither, Freddie Gaither and Randolph Gaither; granddaughter, Dawnyuwell Gaither; grandsons, Emmanuel (Ashley) Smith, Kennerious Gaither, Jarvis Smith, Greg Griffieth Jr. Marcus Griffieth, Davin Griffieth, Jamarian Gaither, Cameron Griffieth, and twins Carson and Carter Gaither; sisters, Paul (Gloria) Fulton, Alberta Smythe, Elizabeth Bush, Brenda Long, Anklit (Melissa) Sherma; brothers, Albert (Colleen) Bush, Jonathan (Jackie) Bush, Michael Bush Sr., Danny (Dawn) Bush; sisters-in-law, Mamie Kelly, Georgia Brown, Elaine Bennett, Frederick (Carrie) Wyatt and Janet Jackson; brothers-in-law, Bud (Betty) Gaither, Roosevelt Gaither, Richard Gaither, Charles (Maxine) Gaither, Eddie Gaither, Walter Gaither and Claude Dunson; a special aunt, Pauline Berry and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and caring friends.
The funeral service was held Monday, Feb. 19, at Poplar Hill African Methodist Episcopal Church, at 623 Poplar Hill Road in Covington, with the Rev. Nicolene Durham and the Rev. Cheryl Smith officiating. Burial was at the church’s cemetery and a repast began after the interment service in the church fellowship hall.
