Annie Simmons Earp, A Tribute to a Life Well LivedSelma - Annie Simmons Earp, 99, died at home on Wednesday, March 5, 2008. Annie is the widow of James Wiley Earp of Selma. James was the former Chairman of the Johnston County Board of Education for 11 years and championed large consolidated High Schools for Johnston County prior to his death in 1964.Annie was born in Seven Springs, NC on March 9, 1908 to Franklin P. and Annie Lee Grimes Simmons. She was the youngest on 10 children. She is a graduate of Atlantic Christian College, now Barton College. In 1934, she married James Wiley Earp, the love of her live, whom she met in a summer school session at Wake Forest University. Together they moved to Johnston County to start their life and family. Annie had a strong faith in her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She was a wonderful spiritual role model for her family and friends. She was loved by everyone who knew her. Her love for Jesus, her church, Thanksgiving Baptist Church, and her family was always demonstrated in the way she lived her life and the wise counsel she offered. She was a Sunday school Teacher, RA and GA Leader as well as Bible Study Teacher in her church. Annie was fondly known as the church historian and took great detail in maintaining its records.Annie was a lady of many talents. She enjoyed scrap booking and made numerous books for her family and church. She was a great cook and shared her food and recipes with family and friends. She was also very talented with needlework and her work adorns the homes of all her family as well as many friends. She loved Bible Study as well as reading novels. Annie was a treasure that is a true gift from God. All who have had the privilege of knowing her have been truly blessed.In 2004 Annie lost a beloved son, James Wiley Earp, II who lived in Cary. She will be missed by her daughter Jane Earp Meyer and husband Ed E. Meyer of Elizabeth City; daughter-in-law, Kay Waddell Earp of Fuquay-Varina; and two sons, David Earp and wife Jo Brooks Earp and Hutch Earp and wife Pat all of Selma. Annie will be missed by her 8 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.The family will receive friends from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. on Friday March 7th at the Parrish Funeral Home, 1351 South Pollock Street, Selma, NC. The service to celebrate her life will be held Saturday, March 8th, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. in the Thanksgiving Baptist Church, 6701 Highway 42 East, Selma, NC 27576. The burial will follow in the church cemetery.Flowers are appreciated or memorial donations may be sent to Thanksgiving Baptist Church or the Johnston Memorial Home Care and Hospice.