Anne Elrod Cothern, 96, passed from this earthly life to her eternal home on Tuesday, July 18, 2023 under the care of Hospice of South Georgia.  The North Carolina native had lived in Wayne County for most of her life. She was the owner and operator of Bibles & Things Bookstore and was sometimes referred to as the "Greeting Card Lady" and was known locally for her love of people, books, flowers and cooking. She so enjoyed sharing with anyone and everyone. Her motto was, "Lord let me live for others that I may live like Thee." She was predeceased by her husband, Rev. William J. Cothern, Jr., her parents, Fred G. and Florence Burris Elrod, and a brother, Lewis Edward Elrod; a special friend, Robert Deloach.

Survivors are loving caretakers, Cindy Goneau of Jesup, the Goneau family, two cherished friends, Tammy Willis and Kathy Chancey, Hospice of South Georgia staff; daughter, Cathy Goza of Fayetteville, GA; a granddaughter, Carrie Beth (Jeremiah) Hintz.

Visitation will be 1:00-2:30 p.m. Thursday, July 20, 2023 from Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Phil Bunce speaking at 2:00 p.m. Interment will be in Oakwood Cemetery, 4th Street, Northwest, Hickory, NC 28601.

Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home of Jesup and Bass-Smith Funeral Home of Hickory, NC are in charge of arrangements.