A celebration of Ann's life will occur on
Friday, November 11, 2022
Wood Funeral Home
5537-39 West Girard Avenue
Philadelphia, Pa. 19131
Viewing: 10:00 -11:00 a.m.
Service: 11:00 a.m.
Go to www.cwoodfh.com .
Click the third box under Ann’s picture
Click "watch Webcast:"
The Live Stream Service will begin at 9:45 a.m.
We request family and friends who prefer
to send plants or flowers,
to coordinate with one of the
following reliable local florists:..
June's Floral Design: (610) 726-4351
Overhill Flowers: (215 ) 473-1842
Simply Floral: ( 610) 622-7980
Have the florist deliver
your selection
to the funeral home no
later than 8:30 a.m.
the day of the service.
DUE TO A GLITCH IN OUR SYSTEM
PLEASE DISREGARD THE FOLLOWING
NOTATION REGARDING ANY ORDERS
INCLUDING FLOWERS, CANDLES OR
MEMORIAL TREE PLANTINGS
WITH THE TRIBUTE STORE!!!!
THANK YOU!!
A Time to Be Born
On October 6, 1929, in Wilson North Carolina, God blessed the late Jake Battle Sr. and Beatrice Cofield Battle with the birth of their fourth child of nine children. Ann Doris was their fourth child and first daughter. She was adored by her loving parents, her uncles, and her aunts on both sides of her family.
A Time to Live
Ann’s early education began in the public school system in Wilson NC. She attended Sam Vick Elementary and graduated from Charles H. Darden High School in 1948. After graduation, Ann moved to Concord North Carolina to attend Barber-Scotia College. There she majored in home economics where she learned many skills, including sewing.
In 1950 Ann was married to the late Rudolph V. Best Sr. The couple would move to Philadelphia PA and raise three children, one son and two daughters. Ann was a loving mother and enjoyed caring for her children and making a home for her family.
Ann worked as a seamstress in the garment industry for many years to support her family. She was a creative and skillful seamstress who would trace her own patterns to make custom fitted garments for family and friends. She also worked part-time as a distributor for Stanley Home Products, traveling all over Philadelphia hosting parties. Ann later became a Certified Nursing Assistant providing compassionate care to nursing home residents until she retired.
Ann appreciated the importance of Black History and loved sharing her knowledge of our ancestors and their contributions to the world. She collected Black History books, booklets, postcards, and stamps. She often gave them as gifts to her children and grandchildren. She liked to read and recite black poetry. One of her favorites was” Little Brown Baby” written by Paul Laurence Dunbar.
Ann enjoyed listening to all types of music ranging from Bach to the Isley Brothers. She also loved watching concert videos from Marvin Sapp to Yanni. Ann was an avid traveler and enjoyed traveling by car, bus, train, plane, or cruise ship. While most trips were visits to see family and friends, she also liked cruising in the Caribbean, flying to Germany, and sightseeing in Paris. She enjoyed going to New York City to see plays and popular musicals.
A Time to Laugh
One of her biggest joys was getting a bargain. Whenever she traveled out of town, Ann would ask to go to a Thrift Store, Yard Sale, and or Flea Market. She really LOVED that. She would buy furniture, jewelry, and clothes for everyone. Then she would get upset if you did not want them.
She believed in keeping children out of grown folks’ business. Ann refused to let her children know what was in her shopping bags. When they asked, she would say “Mayrose Catches All Metals” and they still have no idea what that means.
Time to Serve
Ann accepted Christ at an early age. She believed in and followed a Christian life and encouraged her children to trust in God. When Ann moved to Philadelphia, she served and worshipped at several churches including St. Barnabas United Methodist Church and Sayers United Methodist Church. After moving to North 58th Street, she planted her roots at Camphor Memorial United Methodist Church. Ann was an active church member and never hesitated to volunteer. She became a member of the Women’s Chorus, where she loved to sing gospel songs that glorified God.
She was a devoted member of the Charles H. Darden Alumni Association. Ann served as President of the Philadelphia Chapter and actively participated on various committees. She believed in the importance of higher education and training. Ann and her fellow alumni raised thousands of dollars in scholarship funds for deserving students. She took on the positions of Block Captain and Treasurer for 1300 block of North 58th Street because she also cared for her neighborhood.
A Time to Rejoice
On Tuesday, November 1, 2022, the Lord came and escorted, his faithful servant to her new home in heaven. Ann passed away quietly and in perfect peace, knowing she was loved and supported by her family and friends.
Ann’s warm spirit, generous nature, and beautiful smile will be deeply missed by many.
Preceding Ann in death is six brothers. Charles Battle, Harry Battle, James Battle, Josh Battle, Jake Battle Jr, Matt Fisher, and a younger sister Hilda Johnson.
She leaves to cherish her memory: a son Rudolph V. Best Jr. of Philadelphia PA; daughters Lenora Best of Harrisburg, PA and Barbara Howard of Brookhaven PA; grandchildren: Troy Whiting, Byron Whiting, Sean Best, Edward Best, Corey Miller, Takia Hagin and April Howard; a sister Ruth Ellis of Wilson, NC, a brother Jerome Battle (Barbara) of Philadelphia, Pa.; sister-in-law Joyce Battle of New Castle, DE; a very special care giver-granddaughter Sylvia Oliver; sixteen great-grandchildren; three great-great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and neighbors.
