Annie B. Whitmore Maris, 76, of Memphis, TN. Annie B. departed this life on Wednesday, July 4, 2018 at St. Francis Hospital in Memphis. She born in Somerville, TN to the late William Henry and Vandora Boyland Whitmore on April 15, 1942. She was married to her beloved friend and husband J.C. Maris until his death. To this union no children were born. She was also preceded in death by her loving step-mother, Earnestine Powell Whitmore, her brothers: John Wesley Whitmore, Theodore Whitmore and Bruce Antony Whitmore; grandparents: Daniel and Emma jones Whitmore and Henry and Maggie Boyland; also great-grandparents, Jim and Phyllis Whitmore.
Annie B was passionate about her Christianity. She professed a hope in Christ at an early age at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Somerville. Upon moving to Memphis with her mother she joined Early Grove Baptist Church under the leadership of Eugene Waller and Rev. H. Powell. After the Church split she joined the Messiah Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Lee A. Mullen and continues to serve under the leadership of Rev. Jerry Randolph. Prior to her health failing she was devoted to her church and served in many church activities including the choir.
Annie B. attended Pulliam Chapel Elementry School, a one room school. She enjoyed going there and one of her teachers was her cousin, James Mel Whitmore. She often talked about him because he wouldn't take up for her. After moving to Memphis, she attended Lester
Grammar School and High School. She was a very out going person and everyone knew and liked her.
Annie B. always placed high value on her family members. She loved spending time with her brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews and also cousins. She also enjoyed fising and being around horses at the barn. She did many different activities and loved to talk to people. She was employed by Dr. John Wills Health Clinic on Elliston Rd. as a Medical Assistant, until she retired.
Annie B. leaves to cherish her memories four loving sisters: Gloria Jean Whitmore-Patterson, Velinda Marie (Abdul)Whitmore- Rashad, Annette Whitmore-Johnson, Shirley Ann (James) Whitmore-Gibbs all of Memphis,TN. Four devoted brothers, William Lawrence(Jeanette) Whitmore of Dayton, Ohio.Richard Earl (Diane) Whitmore.Earnest Lee (Shirley) Whitmore, Harvey Wayne (Barbara) Whitmore all of Memphis, Tn. She also leaves one Aunt,Wille Mae Barbee-Thompson of Mason, TN. and one Uncle, James Arthur Boyland; one sister-in-law Billie Whitmore of Memphis, TN and a host of special nieces and nephews, and a host of special cousins & devoted members of her church.
Forest Hill Funeral Home Midtown has care of services. Visitation will be at the Funeral Home on Thursday, July 12 from 5 to 7 PM. Her Celebration of life service will be 12 Noon on Friday, July 13 at Messiah Missionary Baptist Church: 2390 Chelsea Ave, Memphis, TN 38108.