VALE Annie Florence Wyant Young, 95, of Vale, passed away surrounded by family Saturday, Jan. 19, 2019, at Brian Center East in Hickory. Born Nov. 22, 1923, in Catawba County, she was the daughter of the late Arney Shuford Wyant and Edith Mae Goodnight Wyant of Vale. Ann was the oldest of 13 siblings and graduated from Banoak High School in 1941. She then worked in the hosiery industry while helping on the family farm. She retired from Ridgeview Hosiery Mill. In addition to her parents, Ann was preceded in death by her loving husband of 54 years, Ralph Z. Young; brothers, Charlie Wyant, Arney Wyant, Burnice Wyant; and sisters, Farris Wyant, Gladys "Dot" Wyant Ellis, and Kate Wyant Peeler. She is survived by two sons, Terry Young and special friend, Reta Fox, Danny Young and wife, Anna Martha, all of Vale; four grandchildren, Christopher Young and wife, Megan, of Seekonk, Mass., Monica Young Hedrick and husband, Shawn, of Conover, Courtney Young and wife, Leah Anne, of Hickory, Rebecca Young Stewart and husband, Adam, of Balls Creek ; eight great-grandchildren, Chloe Hedrick, Noah Hedrick, Georgia Young, Darby Young, Lillie-Ann Stewart, David Stewart, Schyler Young, and Zollie Young; brothers, Joe Wyant and wife, Scottie, Don Wyant and wife, Dottie, John Wyant and wife, Elaine; sisters, Sarah Wyant Parrish, Texie Wyant Richardson and husband, Jerry, Ida Wyant Williams; and sister-n-law, Patti Wyant. Ann and Ralph married in 1945 and three days later he was deployed to Germany for World War II. She always said, he went on the honeymoon and she went back home. Until his tour was over, she remained in the Wyant home where she helped out with her 12 siblings. She grew up in Trinity Lutheran Church, Vale but shortly after marriage she and Ralph joined Corinth Baptist Church where she was a faithful member for 70 years. She loved gardening, cooking and visiting family and friends. She was known for making delicious fresh apple pies and chocolate pies, which resulted in a scramble to get a piece. She was an avid sports fan and supported her Fred T. Foard Tigers in every way. If a child, grandchild or relative had a ballgame, she would arrive early. She started going to basketball games in 1960 when her sister Ida played and continued as long as she was able. Coach Jerry Copas said she was probably in the gym more times than he was. She loved to watch Duke Basketball on TV with her Duke blanket. She was always visiting or going places and loved to be around her family. Her joyful personality always kept everyone laughing. Whatever thought came to her mind she would express it which was usually funny. As a result, some nieces and nephews gave her the nickname "HA". The funeral service will be held at 3 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 24, at Corinth Baptist Church in Vale, with the Rev. William Kanupp officiating. Mrs. Young will lie-in-state from 2:30 to 3 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 24, prior to the service. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends Wednesday evening, Jan. 23, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Bass-Smith Funeral Home in Hickory. We would like to extend a very special thank you to "Granny's" caregivers at Brian Center Hickory East, who became part of her family. The endless stories and wisdom she shared was always a blessing to everyone who entered her room. She loved each one of you so much and we will be forever grateful for the love and compassion you showed her over the years. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Corinth Baptist Church, 7989 West NC 10 Hwy., Vale, NC 28168. Bass-Smith Funeral Home in Hickory is serving the family of Annie Florence Wyant Young and online condolences may be sent at www.bass-smithfuneralhome.com.