Anna Blaylock Park Lunsford

Anna B. Lunsford, age 74 of Westville, NJ went home to be with her Lord on April 17, 2017 after an extended illness with Parkinson’s disease. She is survived by her son Eddie, her best friends Brian D. Yates, Donna and Diane Berger, Janet Keebler, Marie Spicer, and her live rabbit Bandit. And the many new friends she had met since moving back to Westville. She was predeceased by her parents and only sibling, Harry William Park, Jr.

Born in Woodbury in 1943, to Anna B. and Harry W. Park; she grew up in Westville and graduated from Woodbury HS in 1961. Anna’s classmates remember her as gentle and sweet. When you get to know her, you also learn she had a dry sense of humor!

Over the next 10 years, she worked in jobs as a bookkeeper and secretary. She especially enjoyed the years she worked as secretary to the Superintendent at Gateway Regional High School. At Gateway, she considered it a privilege to work with Miss Maltman, who was head of the guidance department. Miss Maltman had been a favorite 8th grade teacher in Westville. During her 4 years at Gateway she formed a special bond with Kate Berger, who gave her a needed wing over her shoulder and became a guardian to guide her through what was a difficult life. They enjoyed each other’s company tremendously and shared much needed laughter. Anna looked to her as a mother and found her way back to Jesus Christ through Kate. They continued a great friendship until Kate’s passing. Kate’s twin daughters, Donna and Diane, have continued the friendship with Anna over many years in memory of their Mother.

Anna was married in 1974 at the Victoria Methodist Church where she and her brother attended throughout their growing up years. Her son Eddie was born in July of 1976, and was the joy of her life. She was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2009, and throughout her struggles with the disease Eddie has been faithful in caring for his Mother.

In 2011, the Woodbury High School 50th class reunion committee went in search of missing classmates. Anna was found living in Egg Harbor City and right away, some classmates connected with her and arranged to have her go to the reunion. What a joy it was to see old friends and renew friendships.

In 2012, Anna moved back to Westville. Brian and Anna formed a special bond, and he has been helping her and caring for her through her struggles with Parkinson’s. Anna’s highlight of the week was the Forever Young senior program at the Gloucester County Community Church where she enjoyed Pastor Ron’s messages, the fellowship, the flea market table for missions, and the field trips to places she had never been. And she would always make sure she had something to take home to her son Eddie. She enjoyed music – she loved her 50’s rock and roll. In December 2013 she got to hear Frankie Avalon in concert, and got her picture taken with him. What a great day that was!

Through the years, Anna has gone through a lot of difficult times, but her faith has remained strong. And those who have been around her these last few years know that she was a fighter. Even when the Parkinson’s was at its worse, Anna kept going, kept trying, and kept moving. She did not let it hold her back. She would just ask the Lord to help her take that next step. We can rejoice that Anna is finally home in heaven – free from the constraints of Parkinson’s. We will miss her, but we hold on to the promise that we will one day see her again.

Relatives and friends may visit with the family from 10 to 11 am on Friday, at the Smith Funeral Home, 47 Main Street, Mantua, NJ., where funeral services will be held at 11 am. Interment will be private.

The Family would like to thank Heartland Hospice for their unfettered care throughout the seven weeks she was under their services.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Anna’s memory may be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, Grand Central Station, P. O. Box 4777, New York, NY 10163; or to Forever Young Mission Project c/o Gloucester County Community Church, 359 Chapel Heights Road, Washington Township, NJ 08080

Memories & condolences may be shared at smithfhmantua.com