Annesse Smith Sankey (May 13, 1930 - June 18, 2018) died June 18, 2018, after an extended illness. Annesse graduated from Sidney Lanier High School in 1948.
She attended Alabama College at Montevallo and graduated from the University of Alabama. Shortly after college graduation, she married her high school sweetheart, Newman Sankey, and their marriage lasted for fifty years, until his death in 2002.
After raising her daughters, Annesse returned to the University of Alabama, earning a Masters in Library Service. She then began an 18-year career with the Montgomery City-County Public Library, where she touched many young lives as the summertime storyteller, complete with puppets. Annesse loved reading and took particular joy in inspiring young people to become avid readers.
She is survived by daughter Nancy Reams and husband, Paul Reams; daughter Patti Eliot and husband, Ken Eliot; and granddaughter Emily Reams and her husband, Tim Keogh.
The family would like to extend special recognition and appreciation to Joyce and Lisa Daniels who welcomed Annesse into their home during her final months. Their care and devotion allowed Annesse to depart this life with dignity and comfort, knowing that she was loved. Our thanks also go to the nurses and staff at Comfort Care Hospice for their assistance.
A memorial service for Annesse will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that friends make a donation in Annesse's memory to:
- Montgomery City-County Public Library
- Girl Scouts of South Alabama
145 Coliseum Drive
Montgomery AL 36109
- or a charity of your choice