Annie Ruth Hartgrove Jefferies, 82, of Grover, NC transitioned to be with the Lord on April 19th, 2024, at her residence. She was born June 26, 1941, in Patterson Springs, NC to the late Katherine Brooks and Buford Hartgrove. However, she was reared by her grandparents, Vernice and Wess Brooks and aunt, Christine Anderson.

She was married to the love of her life, Robert Jefferies in 1960 and they had just celebrated 64 wonderful years of marriage on April 17, 2024. Together they had a union of seven children and a host of grandchildren and great grandchildren.

During her youth, Annie attended Ellis Chapel and Washington School for her primary education. At an early age, she began employment at Ora Mill for 10 years before deciding to become a full-time stay at home mom of seven children and a devoted wife to Robert Jefferies. Her family was her first priority. She wanted to place a solid foundation in her children about the importance of God ‘s love and good moral values.

Annie enjoyed life and the simple things. She loved having yard sales and collecting odd items to donate to people in need. She took joy in sitting in her sunroom, watching the colorful hummingbirds chirp so sweetly as they tussled over the bird food. Watching old movies like Gun Smoke and other Westerns was an all-time favorite thing to do to pass time away. But one of her most enjoyable things to do was going to Florida vacationing 2 to 3 weeks at a time with her husband, Robert Jefferies. She loved the bond that God had created between them and cherished their love.

As a loyal servant of God, Annie was passionate about sharing the love of Jesus Christ with others. She took time with others in her community to always encourage them to never give up on hope; never give up on self; and never give up on Jesus Christ for He along will make a way when all seems hopeless. She was a dedicated member of Ellis Chapel Baptist Church at the early age of five where she served on the Usher board, kitchen committee and helped manage ECBC Marionettes and Junior Choir during her earlier years of life while serving God. She was also one of the original members of Ellis Chapel who signed a petition to keep Old Ellis Chapel an establishment during the separation of the church.

In addition to her parents and aunt, Annie was preceded in death by two sons, Ricky Jefferies,Billy Joe Spikes and a granddaughter, Kristian Wilson.

She leaves beautiful memories to cherish to her husband, Robert Jefferies of Grover, NC; four sons, Bobby Spikes (Jackie) and Robert James Jefferies (Jennie) both of Shelby, NC; Nathaniel Jefferies (Cathy) and John Jefferies of Grover, NC; daughter, Jean Wilson (Alvin) of Charlotte, NC; a bonus daughter and son Annie Carol Smith (Robert) of Grover, NC; daughter-in law, Teresa Jefferies of Charlotte, NC; and a special cousin, Terry Smith, who she cherished as a daughter.

Annie loved everyone and impacted many lives, but there are several that were very dear to her heart that she either helped rear into adulthood or they went the extra mile to express love.

Those family members include Anthony, LaSonya and Latonya Jackson whom she helped raise; her grandchildren who were always willing to help their grandparents when needed; Ethel Mae Martin, a sister from another mother whom she could depend on; Willie and Dorothy Jefferies and their grandchildren; Joe Feaster, whom she loved as a son; Faye McGill, “Faye Jean” as she would always call her; someone she could always depend on, and Joseph and Ova Lee Abraham, her prayer warriors.

Close friends include Jennie Poston, a dear friend for many years; Orri and Cathy Sinclair, who became a bonus son and daughter; James Hamrick, always willing to give a helping hand to the family; Frank and Nancy Toms, lifelong friends and prayer partners; Robert and Linda Roseboro, longtime friends and neighbors, Lib Davis, longtime friend and neighbor, Terry Hopper, her laughing partner, and always willing to help when needed, Carey Mitchell, always giving a supportive hand in helping the family fix items; Johnnie, Jackie and Tanya Williamson, dear friends of the family, Angela Wilson, dear friend of the family, Johnny, Harriet and Carl Whaley and James and Linda Bradshaw.

Special Message to the Family:

Family, I love you all and have truly enjoyed life here on earth that God has granted me. Yes, I have had many sick days and I have endured some disappointing days. But, through it all, God kept me and now I’m rejoicing with the Lord. Robert, always remember our love and the happy times we shared, for I am now wearing my crown. Thank you for being a Godly man to our family and loving me unconditionally. My children, I love you and may the life that I have lived be embedded in you to continue God’s race. I don’t say goodbye, for we shall meet again. Annie Carroll Smith, my bonus daughter, I love you and appreciate all the love you give Rob and me. Your humbleness to go beyond all measures to care for Rob and I will surely be heaven’s gain.

Funeral services will be held at Ellis Chapel Baptist Church, 114 Ellis Chapel Road, Shelby, NC, on Sunday, April 28, 2024, at 3 p.m. Visitation of family and friends will be from 2 p.m. until 3 p.m. Burial will be in the church cemetery.