Lois Ann McCaskill, born June 3, 1953, in Milledgeville, Georgia, lost her courageous battle against Mylodysplasia Syndrome on April 7, 2014. She was given the gift of an extra year of life by a selfless donor who provided the new bone marrow that she received last April 25, 2013. The extra year of life allowed her to spend more time with the light of her life, her great-niece, Zoe McCaskill who is three years old.
In 1971, Ann graduated from Sparta High School, in Sparta, Georgia, her home town. From there she went on to earn a degree in Recreation Therapy from Georgia College in Milledgeville, Georgia in 1975. Her first job was Youth Director at the First Baptist Church in Dublin, Georgia. She was blessed to have the opportunity to grow spiritually herself as well as to touch the lives of many young people of the town. After four years in this position, Ann made a career change and obtained her certificate as a Respiratory Therapist, and eventually became registered in that specialty. She spent the next thirty years serving the Veterans of our country by working for the Department of Veterans Affairs at the Carl Vinson V.A. Medical Center in Dublin, Georgia, for ten years and the final twenty years at the Durham V.A Medical Center in Durham, NC. She truly loved the contact she had with patients in both medical centers. She was dedicated to her job and made many friends at both locations. She also loved the Duke Women’s Basketball team who she supported for many years with her presence at their games, even traveling to Boston for their Final Four appearance in 2006.
She was preceded in death by her parents Rothwell Ames McCaskill and Lois Moate McCaskill, and by her niece Ashley Denise McCaskill. She is survived by her brother, Rothwell Ames McCaskill, her sister-in-law Ernestine McCaskill whom Ann frequently said was sent by God for her brother, her nephew Brantley Ames McCaskill and his wife Amanda, and their daughter, Zoe who brought such joy to Ann during their brief time together. Ann also is survived by an uncle Reginald McCaskill, an aunt, Jean DeLoach, and several cousins.
Ann is survived by her best friend, travel buddy, fellow Dookie, and all-round support system, Dawn Huffstetler, and her adopted Huffstetler family, Tina who was the rock of support for Dawn, Michelle, Karen, Jim, Treva who provided Ann with spiritual guidance through her battle with MDS, and three nieces, Heather, Alex, and Katie. Ann’s special, sent-by-God neighbor, Bettie Polson, provided friendship and strength to Ann during their twenty years as neighbors, and spent many nights at the hospital as relief for Dawn during Ann’s multiple hospitalizations.
Ann’s family and Dawn would like to thank all of the staff of the UNC Bone Marrow Transplant team, especially Amber Essenmacher, P.A., Dr. Thomas Shea, the nurses of the outpatient clinic, Paula, Sandra, Robin, Laura, Monica, Rhonda, Betty, Drew, and all of the inpatient staff. Their kindness and compassion made Ann’s frequent trips to the clinic and hospitalizations feel like she was being cared for by family. We would also like to thank the UNC Hospice and all the friends who made this final trip with us, especially Becky, Marlene, Paul, Robin, Linda, Helen, Carol, and Shelly who provided food, transportation, and emotional support.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the UNC Bone Marrow Clinic at the NC Cancer Hospital, 101 Manning Drive, Chapel Hill, NC, UNC Hospice, or please register at “Be the Match” so that someone else might have the opportunity to have an extra year or more of life.
Visitation will be at 4pm followed by a celebration of life at 5pm at The Chapel of Hall-Wynne Funeral Home, 1113 W. Main Street, Durham, North Carolina on Thursday, April 10th. Burial will be in Sparta, Georgia on Saturday, April 12, at 4pm. Online condolences at www.hallwynne.com. See Obituaries.
Casey & Judy Youngblood
Dear McCaskill Family,
Please accept our deepest condolences in the passing of Ann. Please know that you all are in our thoughts and prayers during the days ahead. May you find comfort in sharing the memories of Ann with family and friends.
God bless each of you.
Nancy Connell
I wish I could be there with you. Know that you are in my prayers.
Cindy Woods
I will remember Ann for her gentle spirit and her contagious smile. My deepest sympathy to her family and friends. Wishing a sense of comfort from Gods love and the love from everyone Ann touched. She will be greatly missed.
Jim Huffstetler
Ann you will be missed by everyone. you have made an impact on everyone you ever met. We love you.
Barbara Schuster
Ann held a special place in our hearts. We will miss her dearly. I think I will miss her laughter the most. Much love to Dawn and family.
Shirley Scarborough
Ann was a good and compassionate friend to me and my husband while living in Dublin.
Sincerest sympathies to Mack and Ernestine and their family and to all who knew and loved Ann.
Karen and Buddy Haggard
We thought so much of Ann when she lived in Dublin and we are praying for those she leaves behind who will miss her so much.
Karen and Buddy Haggard
Sue Ann Payne
I send my heartfelt sympathy Ann’s family and friends who loved and cared for her. She was a beautiful person, loved by all who were fortunate to know her.
Al Haywood
It has been a long time since I have seen Ann, but I knew of her struggle. What a blessing she was to me many years ago and I am still grateful today. I’m praying for your entire family during your loss. God bless!
Sarah Brooks
I had the amazing opportunity to meet Ann about 10 years ago. We worked together virtually at the VA Medical Center. I remember the first time that I met Ann, we were going to our first meeting that was face to face. Ann and I both went to the wrong location and ended up talking the entire way to the correct place. I feel like I bonded with Ann as many others have. She is truly a genuine person always with a smile on her face up to the time that I got to see her about a week ago. Her spirit was unbeatable. Ann will forever be in my heart. I am truly going to miss her. Ann was always full of questions and I loved that about her. My thoughts are with her family and friends. She will be missed but her spirit lives on. Love, Sarah Brooks
Paula Solovey
What a privilege to have known Ann and spend time with her. She was a true inspiration to me and she changed my life. She has left a wonderful legacy and I will forever be grateful to her and Dawn for their influence, thoughtfulness, and love.
Paula Solovey, RN
Paula Solovey
What a privilege to have known Ann and spend time with her. She was a true inspiration to me and she changed my life. She has left a wonderful legacy and I will forever be grateful to her and Dawn for their influence, thoughtfulness, and love.
Paula Solovey, RN
Alicia Corbett
my deepest sympathy and conolences for you at this time of brievment
Mark Elliman
Ann was such smart and compassionate person. I would speak to her quite often when she was in Systems Redesign, because she had tremendous knowledge of her field and provided excellent mentorship. My sincere condolences to all of her family and freinds.
Steve Nix
Ann touched the life of everyone she met in a positive way. She was always upbeat and full of positive energy. She was very lucky to have someone with the same positive energy in her life. Dawn you have been a role model of support and showing respect and strength when it was needed most. Let us know how we can care for you now. You deserve it!
Katt Payne
I pray the love of God enfolds you during your journey through grief; Anne will be missed.
Don Corry
I met Ann when she came to the Durham VA Medical Center as a staff Respiratory Therapist. She was a patient advocate and friend to every patient who was fortunate to have her. Her calming influence in that department and Medical Center will be missed.
Robin
We all loved Ann and we will miss both Ann & Dawn. Two of the nicest people God ever made.
Love,
RobinBMT
Susan Rakley
Ann and I worked together on a number of projects. Our disagreements were always creative and lead to great ideas, not to mention a little silliness. She had such energy, dedication and passion, and a very good heart. Those things remain always
Nancy Jones
I will miss my valued friend and colleague more than words can say. As founding member of our local ‘Class of ’53’ Red Hat sisterhood, she embodied the spirit of a group “committed to supporting each other through fun and friendship and allowing each individual the empowering permission to play and fulfill lifelong dreams.”
Ellen Stagg
Please accept my sincere condolences on your loss. Ann was a wonderful co-worker and a delightful lady.
Charlene L. McLaughlin Bizzell
My thoughts and prayers are with Ann’s family and many, many friends during this difficult time. I met Ann when I began working at the Durham VA Medical Center. We worked together on a systems redesign project. She became a fast friend and provided invaluable mentoring to me about the VA work culture as I slowly transitioned into the VA way of doing things. She will be missed by so many people.
Kathi McMullin
There was not a kinder soul than Ann. My thoughts are with Dawn and the rest of her family.
Danita Patrick
Ann gave me words of encouragement when I needed it. She was a good listener and always inspired me to do great things. Ann you will be missed.
Cheryl Keen
It is with deepest sympathy and sadness that I offer Dawn and all of Anne’s family and friends my sincere condolences. Please find comfort in knowing that Anne was a wonderful individual, and all who had the priviledge of being acquainted with her were truly blessed.
May peace and comfort be with you, I am truly sorry.
Cheryl
Wayne Bynum
I have known Ann for years from the Durham VA medical center. Ann was a friend to everyone. I never knew that she had any illness. She will be missed but we all have gained from knowing her. Family, my prayers are with you to get through this difficult time.
Aleta Jordan
I only known Ann for such a short time but was so impressed by her spirit and compassion. We are truly lucky to have such a wonderful person in our lives.
Deborah Lancaster
My thoughts and prayers are with Ann and all of her family. My fondness memories of Ann while working in the emergency dept., always encouraging, smiling, warm greeting every morning. Huge Duke girls basketball fan. Dawn and family remember how special Ann was and that she will live on through your memories.
Wini Harding
She will remain in our hearts forever.
Silver
To the McCaskill Family, Ann was a wonderful and thoughtful person. She kept her spirits high even through her health challenges. The last time I saw her she was in good spirts which inspired us all at the DVAMC. God speed to the family.
Latisha Blacknall
My prayers of peace, strength and blessings are offered to Ann’s family. I met Ann about ten years ago while working at the VA in Durham. She was a great mentor and wonderful, sweet spirit. I will miss her.
Beth Weast
I am so sorry to hear about this. Ann was a wonderful positive person. I always could count on being and feeling better about life after I spoke to her. She was amazing
Lori and Brian Simmons
She was such a wonderful person/friend. If only I could be so positive and graceful in the face of adversity as she was. She was one of my favorites! I feel so blessed to have been able to spend some quality time with her in the mornings before our day began; chatting about her family and loved ones. To have had the opportunity to work with her for a few years, what an Amazing woman!!
Phyllis Huffstetler
We are grateful for Ann’s presence in our lives. We will always cherish her many memories.
Charles & Mary Tatum
Dawn, we are praying for you and your family during this difficult time. Remembering the fun times with you and Anne at the lake.
Lisa
Ann was such a gentle soul. Dawn and family, may you find strength in the love of family and friends. Ann will live on in our hearts.
Marlene and Paul
Ann was a joy to be with and a great support at work or on the Lake. Every time we rig a night crawler on a catfish line we will think of her.
Ralph Gigliotti
It is with a heavy heart I learned of Ann’s passing. Ann always had a light in her eye that let you know she knew who she was and where she would be going. Her testimony was through living deeds and her gentleness will be missed.
Shelby Hyman
So sorry to hear this news, I truly enjoyed the many conversations we shared. May you rest in peace!! Shelby Hyman
Ken Smith
Ann was a great friend and she will be dearly missed. She loved her family and friends and loved to talk about them. To Roth’s and Dawns family my most sincere sympathy.
Ronnie McNeal
Ann and worked together in 3 different medical centers over about 15 years she was a very dear friend and will be miss ,She will always have a place in my heart . RIP Ann
LaShonda Butler
I am sorry for the departure of your love one. I will miss seeing Ann here at the VA and I will surely miss her smile. May God bless your family and give you the strength and courage that you need during this time.
Jimmy and Jacquelin
Ann was the greatest and I will miss her dearly. We spent a lot of going to lunches together and she just thought that my husband was the greatest when he fix her plumbing problems and she always asked about my grandson booboo. Dawn thank you for being there for Ann, you are the greatest also. We love you both.
Jimmy and Jacquelin Rogers
Lori Kath
May God BLESS AND KEEP your family at this time and always. His grace is sufficient.
Judy Lampp Knight
I met Ann when I first started working at the VA in Dublin. She was one of the first to make me feel welcome with her contagious bright smile. She was my friend whom I will never forget. I am so glad our lives touched. RIP Ann and may God be with your family.
Donna Terrill
I was one of the many young lives Ann touched at First Baptist Church. It has been 30 years since I have lived in Dublin and attended First Baptist but I have never forgotten Ann. She was one of those people who once she touched your life, you could not think of her and not smile. It sounds like she has continued to touch many lives through out a life of service to others.
Warren Kinghorn
I am very sorry to hear of Anne’s death; it was always a pleasure to work with her at the Durham VAMC. I’ll remember not only her warm and positive spirit but also her rich, flowing Georgia accent, which as a native South Carolinian was always music to my ears!
Eddie King
My sincere condolences to all who may be grieving Ms. McCaskill’s rest. I did not know her personally, but as a fellow VA employee I did often see her always performing a greatly appreciated service to the veterans with kindness and a smile. I always appreciate those who take the time to help others. Her loved-ones can rest assured that Ms. McCaskill definitely did her part to make the world a little better one smile at a time. As a veteran myself I say “Thank You”. Rest Peacefully Ma’am.
Becky and Danny Wall
Ann has touched so many of our lives in such a positive way with her kindness. You are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Ruth Miller
Dear Friend,
I loved working with you at the Durham VA and am so sorry to hear of your passing.
Heaven has won a marvelous Guardian Angel in You. White light to You, Your Family, and all of us whose lives You enriched by being who You are. You will be sorely missed here……
Ruth
JAMIE T. BROCK
WORKED WITH HER AT THE DUBLIN VAMC. MANY GOOD MEMORIES HER.SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS.
Roger Taylor
We will miss your bright smile and friendship at the SRD meetings. God has received another angel.
Jackie Gannaway Short
I was saddened to hear of Ann’s passing. Ernestine, Mack, Brant and others she left behind, my prayers are with you. I first met Ann when I came to work at the VA in Dublin and will never forget her wonderful smile and friendly nature. She will be missed by so many.
Shelly Terwilliger
I am a much better person because of knowing Ann, even for a short period of time. She brightened every room she was in and brought out the best in people. I will miss her dearly and am comforted knowing she has gone on to a higher calling.
Harry Babwah
Ann you were so much more than a coworker, a true friend, my
“big sister”. I have been truly blessed for the time we have spent together.
I will cherish all the wonderful memories forever. No one could ever top our
Duke vs UNC battles, they were of epic proportion. Certainly not a surprise
as you lived life with gusto, yet still humble and grounded in Faith. Take care until we
meet again. To your family, simply thanks for sharing Ann.
Love
Harry
Sandy Cobo
Family and Friends:
I know we never lose the people we care about, not even to death! Ann will continue to participate in every act, thought and decision all of us will make. Her love, passion and kindness leaves an imprint in our minds. I take comfort in knowing my life has been enriched by knowing Ann.
With Deepest Sympathy
Sandy Cobo
Pam Stewart house
So saddened by this news. What a kind sweet person Ann was and liked by everyone. My heart also goes out to Dawn and her entire family and friends. She will be missed by all ! My prayers are with you.
Pam Stewart house
So saddened by this news. What a kind sweet person Ann was and liked by everyone. My heart also goes out to Dawn and her entire family and friends. She will be missed by all ! My prayers are with you.
Pam Stewart house
So saddened by this news. What a kind sweet person Ann was and liked by everyone. My heart also goes out to Dawn and her entire family and friends. She will be missed by all ! My prayers are with you.
Cathy Kaminetzky
I am deeply saddened by Ann’s death. Ann was such a wonderful person. She “adopted” me when I first started working at the Durham VA and got me involved in Advanced Clinic Access. Ann provided encouragement and showed me how doing this “extra work” truly benefited patients. I use those priniciples in my work everyday now. Ann’s gracious spirit and happy heart is an inspiration.
Please know that I will be keeping you and all Ann touched in my heart during this difficult time.
Cathy Kaminetzky
Joyce Frederick
It was a delight to work with Ann at the DVAMC. She was always a positive presence.
Michele Austin
I first met Ann in 1988, as my supervisor, at the Dublin VA. My family and I count it a privilege to have known her. We send our heart felt sympathy to her family and Dawn. I will never forget her encouragement & mentoring and her wonderful smile. May God strengthen all her loved ones as they move through this difficult time.
Wendell, Rosemary,Kayla & Kolby Johnson
Ann,
You will always be a JOHNSON FAMILY MEMBER because if it wasn’t for you Wendell and Rosemary would never have met,fallen in love, married or ever had the girls. God Bless our newest Angel. All our love, The Johnson’s.
Theresa Yuschok
Ann had such a radiant heart, her light will shine whenever we think
of her smile, good humor, and gentle words. Working with her was a pleasure at DVAMC.
Judy Thorpe
Losing someone to death the hardest thing, we are asked to deal with in our life time. God gives us the strength to endure in this grievous time, Matt 5: 4 . The Bible promises us we will see our loved ones again, Acts 24: 15 . What a wonderful hope we have.
Lark Nipper
You will always be in my heart.