Annie Lou Bobbitt Partin Mills passed away on Wednesday, May 10, 2006 at Mayview Convalescent Center. Her family would like to thank all of the wonderful caregivers at Mayview for their loving care during her stay with them of over 16 years. We would also like to give special thanks to her brother and sister-in-law, C.B. and Lottie Lee Tutor, and Faye Cherchas and Bobbie Best for their years of devoted care and love.

Annie Lou was born in Castalia, N.C., the daughter of the late Walton Clark and Ella Hight Bobbitt. She was the next to youngest of 11 children and had a very happy childhood. She told many interesting tales of her life there.

She graduated from Castalia Academy, then attended Wake Forest Seminary, Louisburg College and graduated from Western Carolina Teachers College at Cullowee. She taught seventh grade and was an elementary school principal until she met her beloved husband, Wade H. Partin, of Raleigh. He wanted his wife to stay at home so she retired from teaching.

The young couple invested in apartment realty and Annie Lou very successfully managed, furnished, and rented these apartments for many years. In her capacity as landlady, she met a lot of people and established life-long friendships with many of them. She had a sparkling personality and a genuine love and interest in people. She was a born matchmaker and was delighted when several of her introductions resulted in happy marriages.

Several years after Mr. Partin's death, Annie Lou met the man who would become her second husband, James Mills Jr. She met him when he rented an apartment from her. Her health was beginning to decline and he wanted to help take care of her. Unfortunately, he lived only a few years after the marriage.

Annie Lou was a long-time member of Edenton Street Methodist Church. Some of the visitors she had from the church called her their angel at Mayview. She touched the hearts of all who knew her and had many visitors. She cherished the friends and family members who were so faithful to her during her long stay at Mayview. She made all of her guests feel happy and special. She usually sent them away with a small meaningful gift. It was a standing joke that if you were a friend or relative of Annie Lou, you had never done anything wrong in your life.

Despite her many physical infirmities, Annie Lou never lost her optimistic spirit and love of God. She will be lovingly remembered by all who had the pleasure of knowing her.

Annie Lou outlived all of her six brothers and four sisters. She is survived by many beloved sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 13, 2006 at Bryan-Lee Funeral Home, 1200 Benson Road, Garner. Burial followed at Montlawn Memorial Park.

Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to Edenton Street United Methodist Church, 223 West Edenton Street, Raleigh, NC 27603.

Condolences may be made to the family at www.bryan-leefuneralhome.com.

(Paid Obituary