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ANNFRANCES LUCAS GARNER was born April 6, 1947 in the South Bronx New York City and left us peacefully in her home in Hampstead NC. AnnFrances joined her mother and father Burlon and Mary Lucas, her bother Kenny, son Mark and second husband Stephen Elko in eternal peace on July 24, 2022. AnnFrances leaves behind her husband Simeon Garner of NC, her daughter Ann Frances Meier & Allison Minter, her bothers James & Caren Lucas, Gerald & Nancy Lucas of Long Island NY and Brian & Marta Lucas of NC as well as 13 nieces and 1 nephew and Stepson David Elko, FL.

AnnFrances was born in the South Bronx and went to St. Helen’s Business High School. She moved to New Jersey where she raised her two children Ann and Mark Meier. AnnFrances had many accomplishments in her life, she was employed with Drakes Bakeries in Wayne NJ and went on to become a Commercial Insurance Underwriter for Aegis Ryan Insurance. She later went on to live in Columbus, GA and owned and operated the Restaurant Mary’s NY Café with her second husband Stephan Elko. Later moving to Fayetteville, NC and meeting Simeon Garner and once more becoming a wife and grandmother to Haley Garner.

AnnFrances spent her retirement years in Hampstead North Carolina enjoying her gardening and the beautiful wildlife in her yard. When not there you could find her in her kitchen cooking for those she loved. She often spoke of her fondest memories as a child and young girl with family in Morris Alabama. Stating that Morris was her happiest place; surrounded by the love of her numerous cousins and family.

She wanted to thank the incredible women that she had as life long friends; Laven Zisko, San Diego Ca, Connie Williams, Fortson Ga, Bonnie Gerladis Butler NJ, Rosemary Hrinko, SC, Maryann Webber, West Milford NJ, Francis & Dan Cannon, Morris AL, Joan O’Mally Nyack, NY and Maureen McCarthy, NY. To Michael & Richard Webber remember Big “A” is watching!

AnnFrances will be remembered for her joyous laugh and her smiling Irish blue eyes. She brought joy and love into the lives she touched and reminded her daughter saying “Every life you touch, you leave a fingerprint. Make them smile when they think of you, because I DO!” So please smile as we remember the “fingerprints” that AnnFrances left in our lives and honor the life that was well loved and lived of AnnFrances Lucas Garner.

In lieu of flowers, to honor the memory of AnnFrances a donation to Lower Cape Fear LifeCare, 1414 Physicians Drive, Wilmington NC 28401 or to a non-kill animal shelter is appreciated.

At AnnFrances’ request, there will not be any services.

Share memories and condolences with the family by clicking on the “Condolence” tab below.

Wilmington Funeral & Cremation 1535 S. 41st Street Wilmington, NC 28403 910-791-9099.

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July 28, 2022

Olivia Marshburn says:

Rest well dear neighbor. I pray peace and comfort surround your family and friends.
July 28, 2022

Casey says:

Annie my heart breaks for you and our family and her friends. I have heard many stories and memories over the years about Aunt Ann. I am blessed to have made my own. I remember going to her house and Jeresy and Lordy she could cook. We are talked joked. Then I remember taking my daughter (crystal) to meet her Great Aunt Ann. After a long day Aunt Ann set a bath for crystal and lord the laughter as I walked into the bathroom and you couldn’t see my child there were so many bubbles. The pictures are gone now because my home burnt down last year but that image in burnt into my brain. She took some truly amazing pictures. One was published in a book. It was on my daughter with a butterfly. Aunt Ann was a truly talented, compassionate, strong, wise, beautiful and yes FIRM woman. A blessing to those who were lucky enough to know her. From those beautiful blue Irish eyes smiling at you. They were a sight to see. Her laughter that could warm your heart even in a dark time. Her strength and will is truly admiring. Rest In Peace Aunt Ann. GOD really gained another great one. She will be missed immensely and is truly loved not just in life but in the there after. Anne my heart truly breaks for you and the rest of our family and friends. Know she is watching over you. With the rest of our tribe. Aunt Ann make sure to keep Liz in-line up there. Until we meet again on the other side.
July 27, 2022

Joan O'Malley says:

Ann and I first met on her wedding day more than 50 years ago; I was the fiance of her husband’s half brother. At that time, neither Ann nor I could have imagined the unbreakable bond we would forge over the next 5 decades – minus the half brothers. Ann truly became the sister I never had. In our 20’s, I knew her as a young caring mother who loved her children and always put their needs ahead of her own. My children loved their Auntie and joyfully anticipated our many visits with her, Annie and Mark. In our 30’s and beyond, I witnessed my friend emerge from life’s trials and tribulations into a strong, fearless, confident and funny woman. Despite the miles that separated us in later years, we continued to reach out to each other and share our lives. I am heartbroken I will not be able to pick up the phone and hear her voice. I will remember the many “fingerprints” she left in my life – the fun and laughter we all shared; the cooking lessons over which she presided (and never lost patience), the beauty she found in hummingbirds and butterflies; her affinity for her southern roots. The greatest gift by far is the love and friendship of my amazing niece Annie. R.I.P. my dear friend and know you and Mark are forever in my heart.
July 27, 2022

Gerald (Gerry) Lucas says:

Ann was my big Sis. The eldest of 5. It was tough raising 5 kids in the south Bronx in the 50's. Both of our parents worked. Our dad held down two, even three jobs at times. So Ann had to help raise us. She was like our second mom! It couldn't have been easy trying to coral 4 Roudy boys! But she did her best! When she moved to Jersey then to Georgia, and finally to NC. I didn't get to see her as much as I would have liked. My fondest memory was when she came up for my daughter Carissa's wedding. We danced and the whole time she held me so tight! I could really feel her love! I'm glad I got to see her one last time and tell her I love her 💗 I miss you Sis! I know you're in Heaven watching over us! And Annie's guardian Angel 😇
July 27, 2022

Dolores Garner says:

Ann was a great sister-in-law. I'll remember her beautiful smile. She loved to cook and would make us her awesome cheesecake! She will be missed ! My prayers go out to her family who she always spoke very loving of!

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