Ann Hoover Johnson Dees, 87, of Burgaw passed peacefully from her earthly life on Monday, April 13, 2015 at New Hanover Regional Medical Center with family at her bedside.

She was born September 29, 1927 in Wilmington, the daughter of the late Joab F. Johnson, Sr. and Edith Hoover Johnson.

Ann Hoover is survived by her children, Fred J. Dees of Four Oaks, Alicia Dees Taylor (Mike) of Burgaw, John Tyler Dees, Jr. (Sue Holmun) of Scotts Hill and Richard E. Dees of Burgaw; grandchildren, Fred Dees, Jr., Murray E. Dees, Thomas C. Dees, M. Ivey Taylor, Laura T. Ulrich, Ricky Dees and Sammy Dees; great grandson, Carter Ulrich; sister, Mary Susanna Johnson of Burgaw; brother, Joab F. Johnson, Jr. (Emily) of Burgaw; and several nieces and nephews.

Ann Hoover grew up on the family farm near Wards Corner, graduated from Burgaw High School in 1944 as valedictorian, and from The Woman's College of the University of North Carolina, (now UNC-Greensboro) in 1948 with a degree in business. She married John Tyler Dees, and they moved back to Burgaw after she worked in Chapel Hill and Durham while he completed medical school. As John established his medical practice, Ann Hoover was a homemaker and mother, active in the community and state. She held leadership positions in the Burgaw United Methodist Church Women, Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts, and was a dedicated grade mother and parent volunteer while her children were in school. She was very active on historical committees such as the Pender County Historical Society, Pender County Museum, Moores Creek Battleground Association, and the Burgaw Centennial. An advocate of higher education, she was a regional chairwoman of the Katherine Smith Reynolds Scholarship committee for UNC-G. In 1991, she was active in Citizens of Pender, the organization opposing the siting of a hazardous waste incinerator.

Ann Hoover had many hobbies and talents: sewing, gardening, refinishing furniture, and she especially enjoyed being in the Burgaw Research Club and the Thursday Burgaw bridge club. Over the years, her employment included working in Pender Courthouse offices during high school years and college summers; teaching High School business courses; selling World Book; typing multiple historical publications; and serving as a financial administrative assistant for Dean Witter.

Ann Hoover loved people, their family stories, and history. She was a strong woman with a quick sense of humor who enjoyed the friendships of small town life.

The family will receive friends 6 to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 16, 2014 at Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home in Burgaw.

Graveside funeral service will be 11:00 a.m. on Friday in Burgaw Cemetery with The Rev. Ellen McCubbin officiating.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests that you consider a memorial gift in memory of Ann Hoover Dees to Pender County Historical Society, PO Box 1380, Burgaw, NC 28425.

Shared memories and condolences may be sent to the family by selecting "Memory Wall" above.

Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home of Burgaw.

The family will receive friends 6 to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 16, 2014 at Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home in Burgaw.

Graveside funeral service will be 11:00 a.m. on Friday in Burgaw Cemetery with The Rev. Ellen McCubbin officiating.