Anne Louise Roye Bennett was born on September 18, 1941, in Carolina County, Virginia, to Willie Webster Roye and Luvenia (Fortune) Roye. She often reminisced about her wonderful childhood growing up in the Virginia countryside, surrounded by a loving family that grew to include her five siblings: her big "Brother" Willie, Pauline, RosaMae, and Corrine (all of whom preceded her in death), and her youngest brother, Robert, along with a host of Roye and Fortune cousins

Anne fondly remembered working alongside her father in the fields of their family farm, helping her mother care for their home, and playing basketball  on the girls' team at Union High School. Sundays were reserved for worship at Jerusalem Baptist Church, where her faith was nurtured and became a guiding force throughout her life. Under her mother's direction, Anne served as president of the Junior Missionary. No matter where life took her, she always found her way back to Jerusalem whenever she could.

After graduating from high school in 1960, Anne began her studies at Virginia State University before moving to the Washington, D.C. area, where she embarked on a 30-plus-year career at Washington Hospital Center. She worked as a payroll administrator and office manager for the Nutrition Unit. Anne was known as a dedicated employee and a true team player, often coordinating employee and patient events such as African Heritage Day celebrations, family talent shows, and potluck luncheons.

Through family friends, Anne met Clarence Everett Bennett. After several months of courtship, they were married in June 1970. Together, they made their home in the Maryland suburbs, where they raised their son, Timothy Darnell, and daughter, Reshe Denise.

Anne and Clarence's home became a gathering place for family and friends, a welcoming space filled with love, laughter, and togetherness. From seafood dinners, especially Anne's beloved Maryland crab feasts, to lively basement parties, their home was a safe haven where many came for comfort, joy, and Anne's nurturing spirit.

After retiring from Washington Hospital Center, Anne remained active and engaged. She worked part-time at Hecht's, with the Washington DC area Urban League, and as a substitute teacher for Prince George's County Public Schools, always finding ways to stay involved in her community.

Later in life, Anne and Clarence relocated to his hometown of Morven, North Carolina to enjoy a slower pace of life. But slowing down didn't mean stopping, Anne volunteered time to literacy programs at Morven Elementary School (MES), including events such as the Reading Rock-A-Thon and Dr. Seuss Day. And became a devoted member of Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church in Wadesboro, NC, faithfully attending services and participating in various ministries.

Anne loved to travel and cherished the memories she created along the way. She enjoyed visiting Seattle, taking road trips to Myrtle Beach and the Florida coast, and making several trips to the San Francisco Bay Area to spend time with her nephew and new friends. Though she was nervous about flying, her love for family and new experiences always carried her through.

After the passing of her beloved husband, Clarence, in 2021, Anne returned to Maryland to be close to her daughter. She spent her days reconnecting with friends and family, enjoying her favorite word search puzzles, watching her favorite shows (especially The Young and the Restless & Family Feud), shopping outings, and watching her granddaughter Railyn dance.

Anne passed away peacefully on Tuesday morning, April 21st. She leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and kindness that will live on in all who knew her. She will be deeply missed by her daughter Reshe (Gary) Bennett; her son Timothy Bennett; her grandchildren Quianna, Timesha, Bryce, Railyn, and Mia; her ten great-grandchildren; her brother Robert (Linda) Roye; her sisters-in-laws, Evelent Steele, Marge Bennett, Gwen Bennett, Winnie Bennett and Synetha (Donnie) Pratt; and a host of nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Anne will be remembered for her deep love of family, her unwavering loyalty to those she held dear, and her caring, nurturing spirit. The love she shared so openly will continue to live on in the many lives she touched

A Celebration of Life Service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 1, 2026 at Jerusalem Baptist Church,21180 Bagby Road, Bowling Green, Va. 22427,with a viewing one hour prior to the service.

Interment will follow in the church cemetery.