Annis Rogers Essex

Annis Rogers Essex, of Decatur, Georgia, passed away peacefully in Vista Care Hospice at Emory Hospital on June 28, 2012 at the age of 86. Annis was born in Atlanta, Georgia and raised in Decatur, Georgia. Despite the Great Depression, she and her siblings had a happy childhood due to their loving parents. She married Lieutenant Commander Grant Reynolds Essex, U.S. Naval Reserve, in 1943. They lived in various locations during his service until he was killed in active duty in the Korean War in 1953. A young widow, Annis raised her two children with great love and perseverance, in Atlanta near her parents' home. She made a career as a telecommunications operator at Emory University, retiring in 1990. After retirement, she worked as a receptionist at the SporTime Company until the age of 73. Annis was a member of Oak Grove United Methodist Church where she was quite active in her earlier years and at one time was volunteer superintendent of the children's department. Annis was especially proud of her years teaching third-graders in Sunday School. Annis was predeceased by her parents, Robert and Zula Rogers, her beloved husband, two sisters, Jane Basore and Sue Lee, and two brothers, Robert Rogers, Jr. and Lyman Rogers. She is survived by a son, Grant Reynolds Essex, Jr. and a daughter, Leigh Essex Walker, daughter-in-law Nancy Essex and son-in-law Jeff Walker. Annis is also survived by seven grandchildren, Grant Reynolds Essex III (and spouse Patricia Essex), Sara Essex Bradley (and spouse Mike Bradley), Karson Leitch Beaty (and spouse Jason Beaty), Kirk Leitch (and spouse Lindsey Leitch), Matthew Essex (and spouse Shannon Essex), Michael Essex and Allison Essex; seven great-grandchildren, Laura Essex, Clare Essex, Will Essex, Ben Essex, Dayde Goforth, Brooklyn Navarro, Harper Leitch; numerous beloved nieces and nephews; co-caregiver Jana Rider and her husband Eddie Rider, both close and devoted friends of the family. "Gam," as she was affectionately known, will be missed greatly by all. A funeral service will be held at 3:00 p.m. Saturday, July 7, 2012 at A.S. Turner and Sons Funeral Home, at 2773 North Decatur Road, Decatur, Georgia 30033, with graveside services at Floral Hills Memory Garden. The family will receive visitors from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Friday, July 6, 2012 and an hour prior to the service on Saturday at A.S. Turner and Sons Funeral Home. If preferred over flowers, donations in memory of Annis may be made to Wind River Cancer Retreats, at 430 Larsen Lane, Tryon, NC 28782-6760, Attention: Contributions.

Funeral Home:
A. S. Turner & Sons
2773 North Decatur Road
Decatur, GA
30033