Mrs. Annie Bell McKoy

Annie Bell McKoy was a loving mother, grandmother, sister and aunt. She was born in Hoke County on Jan 28, 1924 to Louise Goins and Will Bethea. She had 10 siblings, who all preceded her in death: Hattie Bethea, Bertha Blue, TW Goins, Eva Marion, Addie Mae Rivers, Cora Moody, George Bethea, John Bethea, Dorothy Jones and Inez Stephens. They grew up poor, raised in the cotton fields with scarce food, hand-me-down clothing and no indoor plumbing. Her parents died when she was very young and all of the children were separated. Annie Bell went to live with her grandparents and often shared fond memories of growing up with her dear grandmother Annie, who she was affectionately named after. Annie Bell married her first husband Ade Moore when she was a teenager and became a stepmother to his son, Charlie Moore. Annie and Ade also had a son together, George Washington Moore. Her husband Ade passed away when George was just a little boy. She then married her second husband, Taft Stephens and became a stepmother to his son, Melvin Stephens. Annie and her sister Inez were thrilled to have married brothers. In Fairmont, NC, Annie had become a licensed beautician and a devoted member of Aaron Swamp Baptist Church. She was the Choir Director, Sunday School Teacher and she later served on the Board of Trustees. After Annie and Taft divorced, she moved to New York with her sister Eva. By this time, George was in college at North Carolina Central University and Annie Bell did maid work to help pay for his college education. She would often tell the story of walking 15 blocks to work each day to save bus fare. His graduation was one of her proudest moments. George was drafted in the Army where he fathered his first daughter Anne in Germany. After his return to the states, he fathered his second daughter Wanda. Unfortunately, George was involved in a fatal car accident in 1970. Annie Bell always said this was the saddest day of her life. But she was a resilient woman. Annie moved to Fayetteville and opened her own beauty salon on Murchison Rd. She also started buying old houses and turning them into apartment buildings. At one point, she managed 22 apartments, making her one of the most successful black business women in Fayetteville. She married her third husband, William McKoy, who also owned real estate, and together they were a dynamic couple. Annie Bell decided to go back to school at Fayetteville Technical Community College to obtain her High School Diploma in the 1980s . She also earned certificates in Brick Masonry and Interior Decorating. Annie Bell decided to go even further and enrolled in classes at Fayetteville State University, making her the oldest freshman there in 1989. A full page article was written in the Fayetteville Observer newspaper in 1989 about her and all of her accomplishments. Annie Bell was an active member of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church in Fayetteville. She served on the Usher Board, Floral Club and Senior Choir. She loved to sing and would visit various churches with her sisters singing acapella. Annie Bell also founded Morning Glory, Chapter 648 , Order of the Eastern Star. She held the prestigious title of Worthy Matron and received numerous awards within the OES. Annie Bell leaves to cherish her memory, 2 granddaughters, Anne Zangle and Wanda Hunter ; 1 great granddaughter, Alexis Surgeon (the apple of her eye) and 1 great great grandson, Damani Emerson; 10 Nieces - Gladys Jackson , Angel Elliot, JoAnne Howard, Mary McRae, Janet Burke, Doris McQueen, Mary Childs, Deanne Gaines, Nyoka Jones, Renee Green, 3 Nephews - Frank Jones, Dallen Jones, John (BoBo) Stephens. And a host of great nieces, great nephews and special ladies whom she called her daughters.

Mrs. Annie Bell McKoy

January 28, 1924 - June 30, 2022