Ann Womble

Ann Noe Womble of Sanford died peacefully at home in May of 2025, surrounded by her loving family and friends. During her extended illness, she was lovingly cared for by her family, special caregivers, hospice providers, First Baptist Church family members and supportive friends.

Ann Paris Noe was born to Roma Lucille Paris and James Louis Noe Jr. in Beaufort, NC. After graduating from Beaufort High School, she attended Mars Hill College and graduated from High Point College with a bachelor’s degree in education. She met her husband, James Womble, her first year of teaching in Cameron, NC and they married the following year. They taught together for thirty years at Cameron, Greenwood, and then at Sanford Central High School (Lee Senior HS), where they retired in 1989. She taught business courses, chaired the Occupations Coordinator program, and was active as FBLA advisor during her years at the high school. She was Lee County Teacher of the Year in 1971-72. While teaching, she wrote encouraging poems and stories for her students and to this day, former students continue to share with her daughters the depth of influence she had in their lives.

As a member of First Baptist Church of Sanford for over sixty years, Ann fulfilled her calling of service through many leadership roles. She was ordained as a minister and spoke at FBC, as well as other area churches. Ann served as the first female chair of the board of deacons, along with filling the role of youth minister for several years. Because of her concern for others, she helped begin the prayer ministry, along with teaching Sunday School classes for many years.

Under the pen name “Ruby Brown,” she launched the “Corner News” (a monthly newsletter mailed to college and career aged young adults), which she continued to write and edit for twenty-five years. She wrote and edited “The Grapevine” for the Triple L senior adults. She sang in two church choirs.

Ann traveled and spoke at many women’s retreats, church services, and Christian Women’s club events. She continued her passion for writing by publishing three books of poems and short stories – “Always and Forever,” “Memories are Forever,” and “In His Family Together Forever.” For several years, she wrote for a column in the Sanford Herald called “Good Afternoon.” She also wrote a monthly newsletter “Encouraging Words” for over seven years. Ann loved to share her testimony through her writing and speaking.

As for passions, she had many. She enjoyed tatting and sharing the snowflakes, crosses, and bookmarks she made with friends and family. She created notecards from her poems. She and James traveled, attended many sporting events, was involved in a birthday club, and spent time with her children and grandchildren.

Ann and James were married for 59 years and deeply loved their children Becky Carpenter (Rob), and Sara Gladden (David), and their granddaughters Kat Carpenter, Hannah Gladden (Chris Tuton), Samantha Gladden, and Sadie Gladden. She also had five nephews, from Beaufort – Jay, Buddy (deceased), John, Chris, and Jodie. She loved her family and friends, her students, and her church.

She wanted to be remembered as “a little old lady with lots of problems but was able to do anything God called me to do.”

Ann was predeceased by her husband James Floyd, her parents Roma and Louis James Noe Jr, and brother Louis James Noe III.

Becky and Sara would like to acknowledge the loyal, loving, committed, and faithful caregivers that took care of their mom throughout her extended illnesses. They also appreciate the excellent care over several years by the wonderful team with Amedisys Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her memory to the Alzheimer’s Association or First Baptist Church of Sanford.

The burial will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 11, 2025, at Flat Springs Baptist Church of Deep River, NC. A visitation will follow in Sanford’s First Baptist Church fellowship hall at 2:00 p.m., followed by Ann’s Celebration of Life Service in the sanctuary at 3:30 p.m.

If I Could Speak to You Today from “Memories are Forever”

If we could sit and talk for a while,

If we could laugh and share a smile,

If I could speak to you today,

And share with you what I’d like to say,

I’d say: Praise God I’m free of pain.

My body is whole and I’m well again.

There is no sorrow, no sadness or tears.

There is no hurting, there are no fears.

I’m with our God, and I’m free at last.

Please think of me now – not my pain of the past.

Please understand God will comfort you.

He’ll ease your pain, He’ll see you through.

He’ll walk with you each step of the way,

He’ll guide you and comfort you every day.

He knows and understands your loss.

He too suffered from that death on the cross.

Call on Him, He is your Friend.

And be comforted in knowing, we’ll meet again.

If anyone would like to share special memories of Ann with her family, please send them to the following temporary email address: rubybrownlovesyou@gmail.com