FREDERICK, Md - Mrs. Annie Duke Wheless Dean, 81, passed away on Sunday, July 12, 2009 at her home in Frederick, Maryland.

Annie Duke was born on October 4, 1927 in the small farming community of Justice, North Carolina.  Always true to her roots, Annie carried the southern hospitality of her hometown with her wherever she went.

She was the daughter of the late Ernest Jordan Wheless and Mozelle McGregor Wheless. Annie was the wife of the late Edward Woodall Dean. She was preceded in death by her brother, Dr. James Elijah Wheless.

She received her bachelor of science degree from Western Carolina College.

She was an elementary school teacher and also taught kindergarten and nursery school at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Frederick. She loved children and taught at Good Shepherd for thirty years.  She was also an Avon Lady for many years. For Annie, Avon was more than a job as she provided a warm smile, genuine friendship and love to the countless neighbors and friends along her route.

Surviving are her three daughters, Jane Dean, Karen Adams and husband Bill, of Waynesboro, Pennsylvania, and Marcia Ahalt and husband Mark of Middletown, Maryland.  She was proud of her grandchildren, Kristen and Nick Adams and Matt and Mary Ahalt. Annie is also survived by her sisters-in-law, Cammy Wheless and Bettie Lou Davis, as well as numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.  Always a lover of animals, she is also survived by her two “kitties,” Molly B. and Charlie.

She was a charter member of South End Baptist Church in Frederick, Maryland.

Annie enjoyed gardening, preparing good southern cooking and walking her dog, Little Bit.  She also loved spending time with her relatives at the annual Wheless Cousins Myrtle Beach reunion and the McGreger family reunion in North Carolina.

Memorial services will be held Saturday, July 18, 2009 at 11:00 AM at South End Baptist Church, 506 Carrolton Drive, Frederick, Maryland 21701. The Reverend J. Kenneth Stalls will officiate.  Family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. A fellowship meal will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to South End Baptist Church building fund, 506 Carrolton Drive, Frederick, Maryland 21701 or Duke Memorial Baptist Church building fund, 3976 NC Highway 581 North, Spring Hope, North Carolina 27882.

Arrangements are being handled by the Keeney And Basford P.A. Funeral Home, Frederick.

Expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.keeneybasford.com

Paid Obituary