Anne Barham (Summerlin) Best

Anne Barham Best, 83, of Newton Grove, NC, passed away on November 3, 2023. She was born on September 6, 1940 in Herring, NC, to the late Eldon and Annie Lee Summerlin.

Anne was a kind and loving woman who dedicated her life to the education of children. As the Principal of Butner-Stem Elementary School, she touched the lives of countless students and helped them become the best version of themselves. Her passion for teaching and her commitment to making a difference in the lives of others will always be remembered.

In her free time, Anne enjoyed sewing and quilting. She found joy and relaxation in creating beautiful pieces with her own hands.

Anne will be deeply missed by her daughter, Lisa Fikac, and son-in-law, James Fikac, Jr. She also leaves behind her grandson, James Fikac, III, and his wife, Delia Fikac, her grandson David Fikac and his wife, Allie Fikac, her great-granddaughter Tessa Fikac, and great-grandson Cody Fikac. She is survived by her stepdaughter, Denise Lupton, and step-son in law, Doyle Lupton, as well as her step-grandson, Michael Saunders, and step-granddaughter-in-law, Jenna Saunders. Her step-great-grandson, Rudy Wuthrrich, and stepdaughter, Linda Hedspeth, and stepson-in-law, William Hedspeth, also survive her.

She is also cherished by many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Anne was preceded in death by her husbands, Franklin Barham and Everette Best, as well as her father, Eldon Summerlin, her mother, Annie Lee Summerlin, her brothers, Jesse Summerlin and Larry Summerlin, and her sister, Mary Cleo Edmundson.

She worshiped at Hopewell Methodist Church, where she found solace and community.

A Visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 8, 2023, from 9:45 AM – 10:45 AM at Hopewell Methodist Church, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Dementia Society of America in memory of Anne Best.

The arrangements are entrusted to West & Dunn Funeral Home of Newton Grove.

Online condolences may be made at westanddunn.com

West & Dunn Funeral Home of Newton Grove is honored to serve the Anne Best family.

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