WILMINGTON — Anne Parrott Leister, age 84, of Wilmington, NC, died October 30, 2022. She was born in Kinston, NC on May 12, 1938, to the late Frank and Ruth Parrott and lived there until she left home for Duke University. It was there she met her husband of 61 years, Howard Jack Leister. After graduating with a degree in religion, she raised her children and worked as a school teacher in various schools in Winston-Salem, Raleigh, and Kinston, NC. Anne was a strong supporter of the arts in all the places that she lived. She was the longest-serving board member of the Kenan Chapel and for years was the coordinator of its Sunday night concert series. Anne also played in the Petite Arpeggio ensemble where she was able to play the flute that she loved.
Anne took delight in her extended family and friends and always made them a priority. “Nana” and Jack were an integral part of the lives of their grandchildren. They hosted annual summer Grandparents Camp and attended many sporting and art events in support of their family’s interests. She was a member of Wrightsville United Methodist Church. She will be interred at the Kenan Chapel Memorial Gardens with her husband Jack.
Anne’s family would like to acknowledge the gracious people from Lower Cape Fear LifeCare Memory Partners, Homewerks HomeCare, and Lower Cape Fear LifeCare. Their compassion and skill helped mom and us tremendously as we navigated her Alzheimer’s and stroke.
Anne is survived by her daughter Ashley Leister Hood of Wilmington; son Thad Leister and wife Mary of Wilmington; grandchildren Patrick Hood and wife, Sasha Borog, Evan Hood, Emily Leister, and Amy Leister; her sister, Ruthie Gibson of England; and her constant canine companion, Olsen (aka Black Dog). Her husband, Jack Leister, and her sister, Martha Goins, preceded her in death.
Memorial Services will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, November 13, 2022, at Wrightsville United Methodist Church, 4 Live Oak Drive, Wrightsville Beach.
