Annie is now in eternal life with God, indeed “a gift from God.” She believed so clearly in Jesus Christ and the wholeness of the Trinity. She will live forever in God’s presence, waiting for us.

In her final mortal days, we talked about how lovely our lives have been together; about our children, our extended family and many, many friends. She loved and knew that she was loved.

Ann was born on Sept. 22, 1931, in Washington, D.C., and was the adopted daughter of Carlton Raymond Savage and Beth Godbold Savage, and stepmother Shirley Payne Low. She was sister to Paul Low.

Ann attended Michigan State University for her freshman year, and then moved with her family to Williamsburg, where she attended the College of William and Mary, and began her conversion as a “southerner.” Ann worked as a hostess for Colonial Williamsburg and later as an airline hostess for Capital Airlines in Washington, D.C.

Ann married Jerry Nay in historic Bruton Parish (Episcopal) Church on June 5, 1955. They were an Air Force family for the next 22 years, living in Texas, Paris, France, Georgia, Alabama, New York and several places in Virginia, before finally settling in Lexington. As an Air Force wife, Ann enjoyed living in many different places around the United States. However, living close to Paris for three years was one of the highlights of her life.

After Ann and Jerry moved their family to Lexington in 1975, Ann went to work as the vice president of Professional Business Management of Virginia.

In addition to caring for her family, she filled her days volunteering for her beloved Lexington community, serving on the board of trustees of Woods Creek Montessori School, the United Way review board, the Lexington Board of Elections, and Talking Books, a public library service for the visually impaired. Ann also co-chaired a major capital fundraising effort for Rockbridge Regional Library and chaired an annual fundraising drive for Stonewall Jackson Hospital. She generously gave over 30 years as a Hospice volunteer. Ann also helped as a tutor for the Children’s Literacy Program under the auspices of the Rockbridge Regional Library.

Ann belonged to the Herb Guild, the Rockbridge Historical Society, and the Association for the Preservation of Virginia Antiquities. She served as the chair of the Stonewall Jackson Cemetery Committee, and she was an active member of Grace Episcopal Church in Lexington. Known to friends and family as an avid gardener, Ann’s garden was admired by all who passed by. She was a member of the Natural Bridge Garden Club for over 40 years. Ann said, “I am at my best when I work in the garden.”

Ann’s greatest joy was raising her four children. She will be lovingly remembered by Mark Nay (Maureen), Kent Nay, Anna-Lisa Nay Fitzgerald (Wayne), and Suzanne Nay Savage; her grandchildren John Nay and James Nay, Emily, Jerry and Laurel Nay, and Dylan Fitzgerald; greatgrandchildren, David and Vivian Nay, Lucy Nay, and Edith, Esther and Eleanor Fitzgerald; and her nieces Holly Low Reed and Lee Hannah Low, and nephews Will Low and Stewart Low.

A poem entitled “I Am Not Gone,” by Injete Chesoni says so much, as we hear Ann echoing these words, as she says goodbye:

“I am not gone, I remain here beside you, just in a different way. Look for me in your heart and there you will find me, in our love which forever lives strong.

In those moments when you feel alone, look for me in your thoughts and there you will find me in love memories that burn strong.

Every time a tear forms in your beautiful eyes, look up to the heavens and there you will see me smiling down from the glorious skies.”

In lieu of flowers, and with gratitude to all of her family and friends, please consider making a donation to the Children’s Literacy Program at the Rockbridge Regional Library, the Rockbridge SPCA or to Grace Episcopal Church in Lexington.

A memorial service is planned for 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, at Grace Episcopal Church, 123 W. Washington St., Lexington, followed by a reception. NG