WILMINGTON — Annie Lee Millican Thomas, beloved daughter, sister, mother, and grandmother, passed away peacefully on November 20, 2023, in Wilmington, North Carolina. She was born on August 2, 1950, in Lee County, North Carolina. Annie was 73 years old at the time of her passing.
Annie dedicated her life to caring for others as a nurse for 36 years and the next 20 years teaching Allied Health Science at Norwood High School. Her compassion and dedication touched the lives of countless patients and students throughout her career. She brought comfort and healing to those in need, leaving an indelible mark on the nursing profession as well as being influential in many students perusing a career in the healthcare field.
Outside of her work, Annie had a wide range of interests that brought her joy. She enjoyed collecting seashells, shopping, and volunteering her time for various causes. Spending time with her family was always a priority for Annie, and she cherished moments walking on the beach and loving on her little dog Zoe. She found relaxation in watching Hallmark movies and reading Nicholas Sparks books. Annie also loved visiting and traveling with her friends, creating cherished memories along the way.
Annie’s educational journey began at Chatham Central High School, where she obtained her high school diploma. She furthered her education at CCCC-Sanford NC, where she earned her LPN degree. Continuing her pursuit of knowledge, Annie attended Watts School of Nursing-Durham NC, where she obtained her BSN degree. She also pursued further studies at NCSU-Raleigh, NC, and held a NC Teaching License.
Annie was preceded in death by her parents, Alvie and Gladys Millican of Gulf, NC, as well as her infant grandson, James Teta, son of Rick and Ronda Teta. She leaves behind cherished memories in the hearts of her surviving family and friends, including her daughter, Ronda Tipton Teta, and her husband Rick of Pittsboro, NC, her son Ronald W. Tipton, Jr., and his wife Sheryl of Stafford, VA, and her sister Alma Jane Russell of Sanford, NC. Annie’s legacy also lives on through her granddaughters Sierra, Isabella, Skye, Leann, and Shiloh, and her grandsons Nicholas and Aaron.
Services to honor Annie’s life will be held on Wednesday, December 6, 2023 at 1 p.m. at Sunset Beach, followed by a 2 p.m. Celebration of Life at Calabash Covenant Presbyterian Church, located at 8820 Old Georgetown Rd, SW, Sunset Beach, NC.
