Annie Mae Wansley

Annie Mae Wansley, daughter of the late Stuart Wesley Strickland and Mattie Smith-Strickland, was born Wednesday, October 4, 1916, in Westfield, North Carolina. Annie Mae received her formal education in Westfield, and at an early age, she joined Chestnut Ridge Primitive Baptist Church. In 1943, Annie Mae relocated to Steelton, Pennsylvania, to assist her sister, Mattie Ethel Cox, care for her children. On October 6, 1951, Annie Mae married the late Rev. John T. Wansley, her husband of nearly forty-nine years. Annie Mae and John were blessed with one son, the late Leonard Wansley. Always committed to serving her Lord, she united in Christian Fellowship with The First Baptist Church of Steelton under the pastorate of the late Rev. E. L. Green. She later joined Mt. Olive Baptist Church, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, where her late husband was appointed pastor on August 1, 1972, and served for over twenty-five years. As First Lady at Mt. Olive Baptist Church, Annie Mae formerly served with the Deaconess, Usher Board, Missionaries and Willing Workers Ministries. She was affiliated with the Ministers Wives and Widows Conference of Greater Harrisburg. Annie Mae was a 35-year retiree from the Navy Ships Parts Control Center. Her pastimes included cooking, canning home-grown vegetables, baking cookies, crocheting and, not to be left out, watching “The Price Is Right.” On Monday, February 28, 2011, Annie Mae fell asleep in the Lord passing from Labor to Reward. Along with her parents, husband, son and other loved ones, Annie Mae was also predeceased by siblings, Alberta Taylor, Mattie Ethel Cox, Wesley Ellen Shuff, Willie Nathan and Samuel F. “Thyme” Strickland. Surviving to cherish many special memories are devoted nieces and nephews: Sherlene (Leonard), Doris Ann (Johnie), Janet, Michael (Gwen), Madelyn (Christian), Patti Jo (Willie), Donald, Cynthia, Sarah, Joyce, Alma, Rhonda, Roger, Freddie, Michelle, Willie Mae, Mattie, Judy, Jean, Albert, Roxie, Wesley, Juanita, Nellie, Betty, Billy, Barbara, Bobby, Wayne and Darlene; great and great-great nieces and nephews; other loving relatives and friends; as well as her Mt. Olive Church Family whom she dearly loved. Giving God All Glory, Honor and Praise, Submitted by The Family

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Annie Mae Wansley

October 4, 1916 - February 28, 2011