Annie Balkom

Annie Reese Campbell Balkom April 10, 1936--September 7, 2017 Annie Reese Balkom went to be with the Lord on Thursday, September 7, 2017, in front of advancing Hurricane Irma. Her evacuation plan was much better than that of many other Floridians. Annie raised four children with the loving support of family and friends after her husband, “Sonny” Balkom, passed away from injuries in an automobile accident August 14, 1959. Her strength of character and sacrificial care for her family continues to be an inspiration to generations. Under difficult and challenging circumstances, Annie was determined to provide a home for her children and to model a strong work ethic and the value of an independent spirit. And she did that well. Throughout her life Annie served children in the Pace community, first as a “lunchroom lady” at Pace Elementary, Pace Middle and Pace High School, and later in the infant room at Pace Christian Academy. From June 30, 1986 to August 15, 2002 when she retired, Annie helped “raise” many of the community’s finest young people and was a constant support to their parents. She was a member of the Pace Assembly of God Church for 40 years and taught the Sunday School at the church as well. She was predeceased by her husband, James Newton “Sonny” Balkom; both parents, James A. Campbell and Ima Jean (Pridgen) Campbell; her brother, Clarence Eugene ‘Dick’ Campbell; and son, Gary Newton Balkom. She is survived and loved by three daughters: Debra Ann Balkom Owens, Patsy Dianne Balkom (Gene) Presley, and Donna Ann Balkom (Randy) Harris. She was extremely proud of her ten grandchildren: Lauren Michele Owens (Jake) Smith, Katherine Elise Owens (Bryan) Allsup, Jeffrey Allen (Becki) Balkom, James Andrew Balkom, Jason (Amber) Balkom, Amber Denise Presley (Brian) Swords, William Blake (Charlotte) Weekley, Daniel Mark (Melissa) Weekley, David Nolan (Melanie) Weekley, and Thomas Erin (Katie) Weekley. She would have loved to have known her 14 great grandchildren in a deeper way: Leo Jacob Smith, Tory Michele Smith, Skyler Rosa Murphy, Madalyn Andrea Balkom, Micah Jay Swords, Bryce Presley Swords, Mason Brodie Weekley, William David “Will” Weekley, Emma Grace Weekley, Daniel Colt Weekley, Hunter Cash Weekley, Madeline Dawn Weekley, Thomas Bryant Weekley, and Max McLellan Weekley. She was blessed to have many other family and friends who loved her dearly. Annie Balkom’s life will be celebrated on Thursday, September 14, 2017 at the Lewis Funeral Home Milton Chapel, with visitation at 10:00 a.m., to be followed by the funeral at 11:00 a.m. Annie will be laid to rest at Magnolia Cemetery in Defuniak Springs, Florida, beside her husband. There will be no graveside service.