A beautiful and dear life came to a close early in the morning on February 5, 2023, in Inman Healthcare Nursing Home, in Inman, SC when Annie Ruth Wilkins Lipscomb answered the Master’s call to enter eternal rest. Her battle with medical issues and declining health in recent years showed her courage and determination in facing life’s challenges.
Annie was born on April 28, 1946 to the late Horace Wilkins and his wife, the late Grace Wilkins in Gaffney, SC where she grew up and attended public school. Annie was joined in holy matrimony to Clyde E. Lipscomb and to this blessed union four children were born.
She faced life with dedication and was confident in her ability to accomplish and succeed. While not completing high school traditionally, her perseverance led her to proudly receive a GED in 1980. Annie worked at Magnolia Finishing Plant for 40 years as a laboratory technician. She loved God and her family and enjoyed football and traveling. Her favorite teams were the Gaffney High School Indians and the Dallas Cowboys.
Annie was converted at an early age and joined Bethel Baptist Church. After marriage, she joined her husband by moving her membership to Philadelphia Baptist Church where she raised her family and was a faithful devoted church worker and leader. Over the years, she actively and willingly participated in the Congregation’s Ministry including, Sunday school and YWA. For many years, she served as president of the Voices of Philly (formerly the Philadelphia Mixed Choir) and was the long term chairperson of the Deaconess Ministry.
Annie was preceded in death by her parents; a daughter, Angela Brown; two brothers, Horace Wilkins, Jr., and Clarence Lee Wilkins; and a granddaughter, Ashley Jefferies; and a brother-in-law, Roland Hardy.
She leaves to cherish loving memories: her loving husband, Clyde Lipscomb, of the home; a daughter, Andrea Lipscomb, of Gaffney; two sons, Kenneth Lipscomb, of the home, and Donald (Catina) Lipscomb, of Gaffney; four sisters, Dorothy Hardy, Nina Wilkins (a very special sister whom Annie mentored and cared for), Betty Wilkins, Cheryl Mayberry (Bruce), all of Gaffney; two brothers, Johnny Wilkins, of Shelby, NC and James Wilkins, of Gaffney; sisters-in-law, Joyce Whittaker, Linda Smith, Ann Lipscomb, Diana Haywood, Judy Dawkins, and Dora Smith; brothers-in-law, David, John, and Armond Goudelock;
Annie deeply loved, nurtured and took pride in her nine grandchildren; Brandon Brown, Timothy Smith, Anthony Brown (Trina), Antonio, Anthony, Sherod, Kenard, Donisha, and Breanna Lipscomb, and Kenshell Foote; and shared a special bond with her great-grandchildren.
She will be remembered by a host of family members, friends, extened family and caregivers.
Public viewing will be held Friday from 10:00 to 5:00 p.m.
A Funeral Service will be held Saturday, 1:00 p.m., in Philadelphia Baptist Church with Rev. Dr. Danny Burnside officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. The family is receiving friends at the home of Donnie and Catina Lipscomb, 161 Ellis Ferry Road, Gaffney.