BERRY, Annie Laurie Farrar, age 87, departed this earth on December 29, 2016, on her final trip. She was preceded in death by her parents, Franklin Floyd and Emmie Ferguson Farrar; and her only sister, Elizabeth Walker Farrar Martin (Bette). She is survived by her only daughter, Martha Lynn Berry; and by nephews, Teddy Martin Jr. and his wife, Brenda and Franklin Martin and his wife, Michelle; also a great-niece, Angela Martin; and a great-nephew, Christopher Martin and his wife, Katie and their son, Leo; as well as many cousins. She was a member of Hatcher Memorial Baptist Church for more than 40 years, serving as a deacon for at least two terms, and was a member of Agape Sunday School Class. Annie Laurie was a travel agent for 63 years, the first 50 with American Express and the remainder with Williamsburg Travel Leaders, who bought the location from American Express. She was honored by American Express after 50 years as the employee with the most years of service. She never lost her interest and excitement for travel and over the years visited well over 100 countries on six continents, many of them several times, and was thrilled with the experience of each trip. Annie enrolled at RPI (now VCU) in 1946, after graduating from Glen Allen High School, but dropped out after two semesters to be married and raise her family. She re-entered later and earned her Bachelor's degree in 1995. For many years she did various volunteer work, including serving as an usher at the Carpenter Center for Performing Arts, as a gardener at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, and helped at the food pantry located at the Lutheran Church. She enjoyed several years of line-dancing classes. One of her favorite hobbies was reading and she cherished her numerous books. She loved her house and yard and was in the Henrico Master Gardener Class of 2009. Sincere thanks to all the doctors, nurses and others who have provided such excellent and sensitive care, especially Dr. David Harrison, Dr. Susan Shaffer, Dr. George Parker, Dr. Martin Caplan, Dr. Hilary Locklear, Dr. Melissa Oldham, Carol Adams, RN and Renee Rooke, hospice nurse. Family will receive friends at Joseph Bliley Staples Mill, 8510 Staples Mill Rd., on Monday, January 2, 2017, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m., where services will be held on Tuesday, January 3, 2017, at 12 p.m., led by Rev. Greg Webber. Burial will follow at Forest Lawn Cemetery. Memorial gifts may be made to Hatcher Memorial Church, 2300 Dumbarton Rd., Henrico, Va. 23228 or World Wildlife Fund, 1250 Fourth St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20037 or Smile Train, P.O. Box 96231, Washington, D.C. 20090 or the Heifer Project.

Published: Richmond Times Dispatch
January 2, 2017