Ann Casey

AIKEN, SC - Ann Elizabeth McElrath Casey, 84, died Thursday, April 18, 2013 at Aiken Regional Medical Centers. Mrs. Casey, the daughter of the late William Earl and Nettie Estelle Compton McElrath, was born on October 10, 1928 in Woodfin, North Carolina Her life was enriched by her three brothers, two sisters, and loving parents while growing up in the mountains of North Carolina and Whitefield, New Hampshire. Mrs. Casey attended Bob Jones University in Greenville, South Carolina and obtained a bachelor's degree in Fine Arts. She continued her education at the University of South Carolina earning a Master's degree in Education. Mrs. Casey came to Aiken in 1952 as a bride whose husband worked at the new Savannah River Plant. After locating to Aiken, Ann enriched the lives of countless students teaching and serving as a librarian in Aiken County Schools from 1952 until 1987. Her relationships with family, friends, mentors, and students from around the globe have continued into her retirement years. Mrs. Casey and her husband, Gene, joined Aiken First Baptist Church in 1953. She enjoyed singing in the church choir, teaching Sunday School, and setting up the church library. She also participated in drama productions with the Aiken Community Playhouse and other groups. Mrs. Casey was a frontrunner in arts integration and civic concerns and was particularly active in the Mental Health Alliance. After retirement, she was an active member in many service organizations. Her latest blessing has been the support and friendships acquired through The Pink Ribbonettes, a breast cancer survivor group. Survivors include her beloved husband, Gene; a daughter, Karen Casey Henshaw (Andrew), Smyrna, GA; a son, Stephen Brian Casey, Aiken, SC; two granddaughters, Anna Elaine Henshaw and Marie Jeanette Henshaw, both of Smyrna, GA; two sisters, Barbara Jean Warren (Robert), Asheville, NC and Judith Gayle Hobson, Ivoryton, CT; two brothers, William Earl McElrath (Linda), Asheville, NC and Howard Ray McElrath (Betty), Lincolnton, NC. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Casey was preceded in death by a brother, Edward Lee McElrath. The family will receive friends Saturday at 10:00 AM in the Parlor of Aiken's First Baptist Church followed by a Memorial Service at 11:00 AM in the sanctuary. The Rev. Dr. Fred W. Andrea III will officiate. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to First Baptist Church, 120 Chesterfield St., NE, Aiken, SC 29801. Please visit the online guestbook at www.shellhouseriversfuneralhome.com. SHELLHOUSE - RIVERS FUNERAL HOME, 715 EAST PINE LOG RD., AIKEN, SC To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Ann Casey, please visit our flower store.