Ann Shope Lunsford Hyatt
August 30, 1932 ~ November 28, 2025
Asheville Butterfly TrailAnn Shope Lunsford Hyatt, a beloved matriarch and cherished member of her community went to be with the Lord peacefully surrounded by her family on Friday, November 28, 2025.
She was a resident of Buncombe County who dedicated her life to her family and faith. Born on August 30, 1932, in Asheville, Ann was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. She was preceded in death by her parents, James Grady Shope and Margaret Whittemore Shope. She was the loving wife of her first husband, Lee Roy Lunsford, Sr., for 30 years. They were married on June 11, 1949, and he preceded her in death on November 2, 1979. She married her second husband, Fred Hyatt, on November 26, 1986. They were married for 31 years and he preceded her in death on July 22, 2017. She was also preceded in death by her son, Tim Lunsford; granddaughter, Elisha Lunsford; and brothers, Mack Shope, Larry Shope and Grady Shope.
She is survived by her children, Lee Roy Lunsford (LouAnn), Keith Lunsford (Cathy), Tammy Pressley (Blaine) and Terresa Lunsford; nine grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren; and her sisters, Ruth Banks and Nancy Lloyd. In addition to her immediate family, Ann is survived by many nieces, nephews and extended family and friends.
Ann was the owner operator of Parkway Stables and Parkway Paving & Landscaping. Ann was a devout Christian and a member of Oteen Baptist Church. Her faith guided her throughout her life and was a source of strength and comfort for both her and her family. She enjoyed singing, playing piano/organ, working in her yard, helping in the community, feeding the children in the community, spending time with her family and her cat Nana baby (Sheba).
Her family will receive friends beginning at noon on Friday, December 5, at Oteen Baptist Church. The funeral service will follow at the church at 1:00 p.m. Burial will then take place at Sky View Memorial Park.
Special gratitude is owed to her beloved grandson, Reggie Lunsford, who spent time with his “Big Nana” daily, making sure her needs were met. Her vibrant spirit, kindness, and unwavering support will be remembered fondly by all who had the privilege of knowing her. She was such a strong and determined lady. She will be deeply missed, yet her spirit endures in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.
Services
Funeral Service: December 5, 2025 1:00 pm
Burial: December 5, 2025 2:15 pm
Sky View Memorial Park
US Highway 70
Swannanoa, NC
(828)298-4037
Visitation: December 5, 2025 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Funeral Home Assisting The Family:
Groce Funeral Home on Tunnel Road
856 Tunnel Rd.
Asheville, NC 28805
(828)299-4416
http://www.grocefuneralhome.com
I loved Miss Ann and have so many good memories of her. She was a sweet and strong person that I feel honored to have known. She will be missed, sending my love and condolences to the family and friends.
Loved Miss Ann!! Will miss seeing your smiling face! An amazing women of faith!! “Go rest high on that mountain” Uhtil we see you again!
You were always a bright light in the lives of those who had the pleasure of knowing you. I remember church at God’s Way, you always took the time to ask how we were doing and if we needed anything. Go rest high on that mountain. Love you!
WORDS CAN’T EXPLAIN JUST HOW MUCH YOUR SMILE AND KIND ADVICE WILL BE REMEMBERED..YOU ALWAYS KNEW JUST WHAT TO SAY AT THE RIGHT TIME. LOT OF GREAT MEMORIES AROUND THE HORSES. LOVED THE TIMES WE VISITED. LOTS OF GREAT MEMORIES. YOU AND YOUR FAMILY ARE ALWAYS IN OUR PRAYERS.
My heart is broken. My precious Aunt Annie is gone. She was a friend and mother to many and a fighter until the very end. I do not have the words to describe how amazing she was. She had a way of making everyone feel special and loved. I will miss listening to all of her stories and the way she always made me laugh. It was so easy to love her.
I hope your in heaven with Tim and your Daddy watching Blue bell run in the pasture .Rest in peace beautiful soul and thank you for everything
Your Little Lisa
When I heard of Ms. Ann passing I felt joy and sadness. Joy to know another Pilgrim has made it home to Heaven. Sadness because I know she will missed. I still have the christmas ornament that she made for Elmer and me back in the 90’s. I cherish it and the videos that Fred made for us. I hold dear special memories of the church services that I got to know you and some of the family. Praying for the family.
Aunt Annie,
I can’t believe you’re gone. You were such a wonderful person and an amazing Aunt. You remind me of Mother Teresa (with a little extra spunk) for all your acts of kindness. Everyone has a story of how you touched their lives. I’m very proud to be your kin. Thank you for always being so good to me. I’ll love you forever.
Lori
My Prayers & Love to you all 🙏🏼
What a great lady Ann was. Her warmth, friendship, love touched everyone who was lucky enough to know her. She made you feel special. She was such a kind and generous soul. I can’t imagine her not being here on this earth with us but she is rejoicing in Heaven with all who went before. We were so fortunate to have known and loved her.
Kathy and I have the family in our thoughts. We are very sorry for your loss.
As a young boy growing I remember spending a lot of time at the Lunsford home. Miss Anne, as we called her, was always such a gracious host to all of the children of our neighborhood and treated each of us as though we were her children, which including showing love & reprimanding us when needed. As I grew to adolescence she was always interested in what was going on in my life and how our family was doing. Even in to adulthood she continued to inquire about me , my wife & children. I am grieving with the Lunsford family, as my heart is aching along with yours. My prayer is that the Lord will replace the bitter taste of her death with the sweet taste of all the wonderful memories of the love & tenderness that she has bestowed upon you, over the may years she was in your lives. I will be lifting you all up in prayer, asking the Lord for comfort & peace, in the coming days.
Miss Ann was one of the finest people I have ever met. She was a precious friend and a true blessing to everyone who knew her. We had the opportunity to work and laugh together while we traveled on bus trips for several years. She brightened everyone’s life that she met. She lived her faith everyday. I love you Miss Ann and will always treasure the times we spent together. Rest in God’s loving arms because you truly deserve it.