SOUTHPORT — Annelle Royal was born April Fourth of July, 1957 at Dosher Hospital in Southport, and was born into eternal life on September 3, 2024.
Annelle was a graduate of South Brunswick High School and attended Brevard College, her time at Brevard being the only time she lived outside Southport. She worked seven years at the Brunswick County Department of Social Services, and over 22 years as a letter carrier for the United States Postal Service, also serving as union shop steward. Annelle often stated that she had delivered mail to every house in Southport at some point in time. She had an incredible memory, and could easily recall a treasure trove of stories about her postal career, and life growing up and living in Southport. Her work career ended at age 49, when she was diagnosed with five auto-immune disorders as well as late stage breast cancer. Annelle was a warrior, dealing with heart disease for many years.
Annelle began filling this time by writing down childhood memories and stories. From these writings two books evolved, Salubrious Breezes and Sophie’s Bluff. Shonda Rhimes said it best, “This whole story is completely true, except for the parts that are totally made up.” Names, characters, places, dates, geographical descriptions are all either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or to actual events or locales is entirely coincidental.
Annelle was a Lifetime member of the Southport Historical Society, joining in 2004 when our historic home was on the Christmas Tour of Homes. She was a founding member of Coastal Water Watch in Southport. Annelle cared deeply about women’s’ rights, animal protection, and the environment. She was happiest when on the water in a boat, and always kept a boat until her health made that prohibitive.
In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to the John N. Smith Restoration and Preservation, Inc. P.O. Box 11241, Southport, N.C. 28461. Historic preservation was very important to Annelle, and she would have appreciated your supporting the hard work of her friend Judy Gordon in preserving and perpetuating the legacy of lives represented by this historic African-American cemetery.
Annelle is survived by her wife, Dr. Angela L. Wadsworth, and her neurotic little rescue dog-Sissy. She will be missed by friends and family.
Celebration of life and interment will be private and by invitation only.
