Annabelle McVey Sowers passed away on July 8, at the age of 95. She was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee on July 21, 1927 to the Reverend Isaac and Una Cox McVey. Having previously been from this area, the family moved back to Blue Ridge prior to her third birthday. She was preceded in death by her parents and sisters, Eva Mae McVey Mull, Bonnie McVey Harper, and Imogene McVey Stewart; brothers William Isaac "Junior" McVey, Everette McVey; and nephews, Roger Mull and Lee Stewart.

She has been a member of the Blue Ridge First Baptist Church since 1969 where she served on several committees throughout the years. She made her profession of faith in the Sugar Creek Baptist Church in 1940, and has always considered this the "roots" of her Christian life. She still enjoyed attending services there occasionally. Soon after graduating from Blue Ridge High School in 1945, she was employed by the Fannin County Bank. This was the beginning of a thirty six year career in banking, beginning as a bookkeeper/teller and over the years, as cashier and other titles. In 1958, she moved to Warner Robbins, Georgia and was employed by the Bank of Warner Robbins for two and a half years. Soon, after moving back to Blue Ridge in 1960, she was employed by the Fannin County Family and Children Services until August 1963 when she returned to work at the Fannin County Bank for the rest of her career. In January of 1987 she retired from Citizens & Southern Corporation which had purchased the Fannin County Bank the previous year. Soon after retirement, she served several months on the Fannin County Board of Registrations and Elections.

She is survived by nephews, Donald Mull, William Freddie McVey, and Scott Russell Stewart; nieces, Marcia Mull Roe and Teresa McVey Sampson; nine great nieces and nephews; and eight great, great nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, Annabelle has requested that donations be made to Georgia Mountains Hospice at 70 Caring Way, Jasper, Georgia 30143 or to the charity of your choice.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, July 12 at 2:00 PM at Akins-Cobb Funerals & Cremations of Blue Ridge Chapel with Reverend Harold Willis officiating. Music by Martha Buchanan and a recording of her sister Imogene Stewart. Pallbearers will be Loren McVey, Caleb Stewart, Chip Stewart, Kenneth McVey, John David Sampson, and Tanner Silvers. Interment will follow in the Sugar Creek Baptist Church Cemetery with the Dr. Rusty Thomas officiating. Visitation will be on Tuesday, July 11 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Akins-Cobb Funerals & Cremations of Blue Ridge. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.akinscobb.com. Akins-Cobb Funerals & Cremations of Blue Ridge is in charge of the arrangements.