March 21, 1932 ~ September 13, 2023 (age 91)
Ann Cameron Guiton Coburn, age 91, of Whiteville, NC, passed away at her residence on Wednesday, September 13, 2023.
Born in Whiteville on March 21, 1932, Ann was the only child of John Albert Guiton and Martha Cameron Guiton. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband and her special aunt. She graduated Whiteville High School, Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri and attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She married Jesse Marion “Dick” Coburn in Whiteville on June 17, 1953 after his graduation from Davidson College in Davidson, North Carolina. Ann had a magical childhood in Whiteville. She cherished memories of summers on the coast with family and friends at Crescent Beach, South Carolina. Her experiences and life-long friendships held a special place in Ann’s heart and comforted her all of her life. After their time in Columbus, Georgia where Dick served in the United States Army as a Captain, they returned to Whiteville and Dick returned to Waccamaw Bank and Trust Company.
In Whiteville, Ann and Dick raised their children and enjoyed many summers at Lake Waccamaw. They were active members of First Presbyterian Church and became energetic participants in the community. Together, they spent countless hours at the beach, participating in Horseless Carriage tours, traveling, playing golf and promoting Waccamaw Sailing Club. She particularly enjoyed the flowers, plants and wildlife in her yard and was an enthusiastic member of Azalea-Melia Garden Club. Having a contagious laugh, a mischievous sense of humor and quintessential southern graciousness, she effortlessly put those around her at ease and was the consummate hostess until her final days. Most of all, she loved her family and appreciated the simplicity of merely being in each other’s company.
Ann, affectionately known as Mama Ann, is survived by her two children and their spouses: Jesse “Jess” Marion Coburn, Jr. and his wife Janet of Fernandina Beach, Florida and John Cameron Coburn and his wife Haven of Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Virginia “Ginny” Coburn O’Buck (Rick) of Marietta, Georgia; Lisa Lynn Coburn of Marietta, Georgia; Jesse “Jay” Marion Coburn, III (Kelsey) of Marietta, Georgia; John “Jack” Cameron Coburn, Jr. of Statesboro, Georgia and Hayes Whitfield Coburn of Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina as well as her four great-grandchildren: Logan Ann O’Buck, Parker Grace O’Buck, Mackenzie Rose Coburn and Callie Reese Coburn.
She is also survived by an extended family of special nieces and nephews and their spouses and families. The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude for all the love, support and devotion from her special friends and caregivers: Theresia Lennon, Sheldia Miller, Pat Nobles, Deane Batten and Virginia Brown.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, September 16, 2023, from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm at the home located at 1219 Pinckney Street, Whiteville, North Carolina.
A funeral service will be held at First Presbyterian Church on Sunday, September 17, 2023 at 3:00 pm followed by a brief graveside service at Whiteville Memorial Cemetery.
The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to the local charitable organization of one’s choice.
McKenzie Mortuary, 112 Jefferson St., Whiteville, NC is serving the Coburn family.
