KILMARNOCK—On Saturday, January 28, Anne Johnston Owen passed from this life at her home in Kilmarnock, with her loving family at her side.
Born on May 26, 1938, Anne began life in the small town of Whaleyville, the firstborn of Joseph Shackford and Edna Cralle Sanders Johnston, now deceased. Also predeceasing her were her husband, George C. Washington; and her brother, Joseph Shackford Johnston Jr.
As the daughter of a United Methodist minister, Anne moved several times within the state of Virginia. She was graduated in 1956 from Thomas Jefferson High School in Richmond and went on to receive a Bachelor of Arts in English from Greensboro College in Greensboro, N.C.
She married George Clifford Washington in 1961 and they began raising a family in Norfolk. Following George’s career, the family moved several times throughout the southeast.
In 1976, the family which had grown to include three beautiful daughters, moved to White Stone, which was the childhood home of her mother and where Anne and George managed the Windmill Point Marina and Restaurant. Anne then worked for several dentists in Kilmarnock and as manager at Ross’s Rings and Things for 25 years. She is remembered by customers and co-workers as an elegant, sweet and welcoming presence in the shop.
In 2001, Anne married Harry Owen of Wicomico Church (deceased).
Music played a very important role in Anne’s life beginning at age 6. At White Stone United Methodist Church, she served in the choir and as its director for 10 years. She was also the coordinator of the church’s successful Music Night for years and was a member of the Chesapeake Chorale. The Lancaster Players was another of her artistic pursuits.
Anne was a devoted member of the church and served as layleader, was president of the United Methodist Women, and assisted on the Altar Guild. She fully enjoyed her hours at the WSUMC Thrift Shop, serving part of her time there as its volunteer manager.
After retirement, Anne volunteered at the Kilmarnock Museum and at the food bank at White Stone Baptist Church. She was also an honorary member of the Woman’s Club of White Stone.
Anne was blessed with a loving family which included her daughters, Lee Anne Washington of Jacksonville, Fla., Edna Washington Whay (Scotty) of Wicomico Church and Amanda Craig Washington of Kilmarnock. She was blessed by her grandchildren, Thomas Wayne Lackert Jr. of Fredericksburg, Nicholas Scott Whay of Yorktown, Emilee Meghan Whay of Wicomico Church and Lucy Edna Gilbert of Richmond. Surviving also are her sister, Ginger Philbrick (Jim) of White Stone; her niece, Jennifer Acey Einhorn of Richmond; and her nephews, Andrew Shackford Johnston (Trisha) and Stephen Sanders Johnston (Christina) of Annapolis.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, February 4, at White Stone United Methodist Church. According to her wishes, her body was donated to the Virginia State Anatomical Program for science research.
The family wishes to thank Hospice and Peace of Mind for their comforting and professional care of Anne.
Memorial gifts may be made to White Stone United Methodist Church, 118 Methodist Church Drive, 22578; or the American Parkinson’s Disease Association.
