Published: September 23, 2009 02:36 pm      

Overflow crowd celebrates life of Miss Anna Belle

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.