Helen Anne Stevens, 69, of Charlottesville, passed away on Saturday, December 19, 2015, at her daughter's home in Earlysville, Virginia.

She was born on October 31, 1946, to the late Arthur James Ankney Sr. and Helen Virginia Ankney. She was also preceded in death by her husband, LD "Papa" Stevens.

Anne was born at Martha Jefferson Hospital and graduated from Albemarle High School. She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother who loved taking care of her family. She provided whatever was needed; an ear to listen, a shoulder to cry on, a hug to make us happy, and small gifts to let us know how much she cared. A lifelong Christian, she was at one time a member at Hardware Baptist Church. Anne retired from UVA where she worked as an administrator at the Darden School for 20 years. She was also the owner/operator of Celebrations, a wedding consulting business in Charlottesville.

In addition to her mother, other survivors include her three children, Kimberly Anne Haney of Tappahanock, Terri Michelle Voight of Earlysville, and Matthew Scott Small of Spring Hill, Kansas; a brother, Arthur James Ankney Jr.; and a sister, Candace Leigh Ankney. She also leaves behind seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Last but not least, she leaves behind her devoted dog Sushi, who was always by her side.

A lesson Mom left us with is "Life might not be the party we always hoped for, but while we're here we might as well dance, 'cause life just ain't worth living unless we're ALIVE! Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God."

Graveside services will be private. A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the SPCA, P.O. Box 7047, Charlottesville, VA 22906.

Friends may send condolences to her family at www.hillandwood.com.

Submitted by Sam Clarke and Sherman Shifflett