Asheville – Annie Laura Stephenson McNeil, 79, went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Thursday, May 3, 2012 at her residence, surrounded by family and in the arms of her son-in-law with whom she shared a special bond, after a 10 year brave and courageous battle with Lewy Body Dementia. She remained happy and pleasant throughout her illness despite the physical and mental challenges of her disease.

A lifelong resident of Buncombe County. She retired in 1995 from Square D following 26 & 1/2 years of service and was a faithful witness to her family and neighbors. She was loved by all that knew her and always put others before herself. She cared for her mother, aunt and cousin in her home. She freely gave her life to help others, expecting nothing in return. She found comfort in love of family and friends and her love of gospel music. She was a loving, giving and Godly Mother.

Mrs. McNeil was a loving daughter of the late Arthur Henry Stephenson and Mollie Ann Williams Stephenson and a loving and devoted wife to Brown Anderson McNeil for 27 years before his death in 1987. She was a loving sister to the late William Stephenson and the late Charles Stephenson and late wife Barbara.

Surviving are her daughter, Joan McNeil Sharpe and husband Stevie of the home; step son, Roy McNeil and wife, Linda of Asheville; 3 step grandchildren; 4 step great grandchildren; sister, Betty Stephenson and husband Horace of Swannanoa who visited her faithfully from the onset of her illness; brother, Rev. Daniel Stephenson and wife Betty of Asheville; sister-in-law, Helen Stephenson of Asheville and several nieces and nephews, including her special niece, Brenda McFalls of Asheville who loved her like a mother. She is also survived by her special caregiver, Frankie James who she affectionately referred to as "Honey".

Funeral services will be held 2 PM Monday in the chapel of Anders-Rice Funeral Home with Rev. Mark Lewis and Rev. Daniel Stephenson officiating.

Burial will follow in Forest Lawn Memorial Park.

The family will receive friends from 4 to 6 PM Sunday at the funeral home.

A special thanks to Dr. Peggy Noel and Dr. Sissel Topple and all of CarePartners staff for their love and support given to our Mom.

Annie has always been the most loving, sweetest and giving mother-in-law a son-in-law could ever have. Caring for her has been a privilege and an honor. I am truly grateful for her prayers and her influence in my life. Thank you for the wonderful relationship we shared. I already miss you, but I know I will see you again. I love you, Stevie.

Memorials may be made to: Memory Care, 100 Far Horizons Lane, Asheville, N.C. 28803 or CarePartners, P.O. Box 25338, Asheville, N.C. 28813.