subscribesubscriber servicescontact usabout ussite mapBuy a Classified
Thu, Mar 11 2010 

Published: September 23, 2009 02:36 pm    print this story  

Overflow crowd celebrates life of Miss Anna Belle

By Michael R. Moser / mmoser@crossville-chronicle.com

A large crowd filled the pews of Tansi Community Church and spilled out into the foyer and onto the front steps as Democratic and Republican politicians on a sun-splashed day gathered as one with friends and family members to celebrate the life of Anna Belle Clement O'Brien.

There were plenty of stories, songs, laughter and tears, but the most prominent attendee at the late retired state senator's memorial service was love — love of family, love of children, love of service to others and love of that word Miss Anna Belle described as beautiful, politics.

The memorial was the very essence of the lady lawmaker who so lovingly called Lake Tansi and Cumberland County home. And in true Miss Anna Belle form, she prepared for the day, taking care of every little detail including leaving instructions how the service would be held and that dinner on the grounds should be provided afterwards.

And it was.

The hour and a half long service was attended by Miss Anna Belle's extended family, politicians from both sides of the aisle including Republican U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander and Democrats U.S. Rep. Lincoln Davis and former Tennessee Gov. Ned McWherter.

Also sprinkled throughout the audience were past and present members of the Tennessee General Assembly, women of the Cumberland County Women's Democrat Club, fellow worshippers and those whose lives Miss Anna Belle had touched over the years.

The most touching moment, however, came when Miss Anna Belle, herself, appeared and in a style all had come to know, with a heart-felt message via a tape recorded video.

In the video she thanked people for coming, for embracing her family and thanked the community for loving her and her beloved late husband, Charles, and letting them love the community back.

As family members took turns at the podium, a repeated theme of the day emerged. So many spoke of the life lessons they learned from Miss Anna Belle, of the work ethic she taught by doing and of the love of service.

None could recall her ever saying a disparaging word against anyone, including her political opponents. All remembered her love of service to her fellow man.

As her pastor, the Rev. Jeff Monday noted, Miss Anna Belle had that rare gift of being able to make "a pauper feel like he was a prince." She was a confidant to so many, including the pastor.

Described as a woman political pioneer who opened the door for others, mentored many, and, according to her long-time administrative assistant, Joyce McDaniel, Miss Anna Belle "taught how to be a lady and accepted in politics."

When the service ended, the hearse bearing her body traveled under police escort, led by Lake Tansi Security, through the village to Dunbar Rd., Lantana Rd. and into Crossville.

As is customary in the South, vehicles stopped and gave way. One gentleman clad in cut-off jeans stopped with hand over heart as the hearse passed. Others in store parking lots paused and stood erect out of respect.

A tribute from a few representing so many whom Miss Anna Belle touched over the years.

print this story  

Photos


OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA None/ (Click for larger image)



autoconx
Premier Guide
Find a business

Walking Fingers
Maps, Menus, Store hours, Coupons, and more...
Premier Guide
Premier Guide
Premium Jobs

STONEPEAK CERAMICS, INC
A leading manufacturer of fine Italian porcelain ceramic tile and committed to advanced manufacturing methods and enviro...>MORE

Respiratory Therapist - PRN
Great opportunity for a candidate that is looking to join an organization that is committed to providing quality patient...>MORE

Fairfield Glade Homes for Rent
3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 2 car garage, no pets, no smoke. Starting at $750 / month plus deposit, utilities. Call Ken Purvis ...>MORE

See all ads

Premium Autos

This space is available to YOU!!!
Call 484-5145, ask for an advertising representative to place your ad in this section....>MORE

See all ads

Premium Real Estate

Tenn. Mtn. Property
5+ acres, mountain top property. Beautiful cabin site, with woods, near Cookeville, $9950, Owner Financing. 931-445-3611...>MORE

Highland Gardens
By Hospital 1 & 2 Br, 1.5 Ba. $99 DEPOSIT (OAC)! Hurry! Offer Expires Soon! Walk in closet, Open floor plan, Water & Tra...>MORE

Yvonne Ave. Apartments
$99 DEPOSIT (OAC)! Beautiful 1 bedroom units that have been completely remodeled, close to everything. $450 per month / ...>MORE

3 Story- 3Br's & 3 Ba's
Renegade Mountain, Awesome Views. 3 story, 3 br's, 3 ba's, 3 decks, 3 fireplaces. Lots of wood: pine doors, walls, ceili...>MORE

Commercial Spaces For Rent
Contact Classic Realty at 484-2600, 998 Lantana Rd....>MORE

HJF Company - Homes for rent
AVAILABLE - Several select homes. Great locations. FFG, city, school. From 2/2 to 3/2. CH/A, applicances, decks. Fencing...>MORE

Owner Financing
Renegade Mountain, Awesome Views. 3 story, 3 Br's, 3 Ba's, 3 decks, 3 fireplaces. Lots of wood: pine doors, walls, ceili...>MORE

Best Value Storage Units
Near Food City off West Avenue behind Crossville Commons complex. Lowest prices in town -- guaranteed! Gated and securit...>MORE

Mountain Village Apartments
31 Mtn. Village Lane - P.O. Box 3192, Crossville, TN 38557. NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS. One and two bedrooms available. ...>MORE

Jacob's Crossing Apartments
Up To 2 Months Free, Limited Time Offer!! 2 and 3 Bedrooms available, Newly Remodeled, Kid Friendly Playground and Pool,...>MORE

See all ads

Premium Other

First Financial of Tennessee
A name you can trust! 1st and 2nd mortgages, debt consolidation, low competitive rates, approval by phone, no up front f...>MORE

THIS ADVERTISING SPACE WORKS!
Pick up your phone and call 484-5145 ask for any advertising representative. Place your ad here, it will work for you 24...>MORE

See all ads


 

Community Newspaper Holdings, Inc.CNHI Classified Advertising NetworkCNHI News Service
Associated Press content © 2009. All rights reserved. AP content may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Our site is powered by Zope and our Internet Yellow Pages site is powered by PremierGuide.
Some parts of our site may require you to download the Flash Player Plugin.
View our Privacy Policy
Advertiser index