Anne Exon

Mrs. Anne Exon, 95, of Jefferson City, died Friday, June 16, 2017 in Irvine, Calif. She was born December 6, 1921 in Tuscaloosa, Ala., a daughter of John W. and Addie Belle Lewis. Anne grew up in Laurel, Miss. where her father was a mechanical draftsman and her mother a teacher and homemaker. She was married April 15, 1945 to Dr. C. Stuart Exon, who preceded her in death. Anne graduated from Mississippi State Women's College with a degree in music, having received a scholarship awarded in a statewide piano competition. In 1944, Anne moved to New Orleans, La. where she worked at Humble Oil Company and served as the organist at the First Baptist Church. It was there that she met and soon married Dr. Exon who was a surgical resident at Tulane University School of Medicine. Anne and Dr. Exon came to Jefferson City in 1951 where she raised three children and served as the organist and music director at several local churches, including the First Baptist Church, the First Presbyterian Church and the First United Methodist Church. Anne was a devoted mother who came to love Jefferson City. Even into her 90's she delighted in being an accompanist for her many musical friends and choral groups. Christmas was her favorite season and for many years she hosted ornament making parties for hundreds of Jefferson City women. Anne was also an enthusiastic member of the American Guild of Organists, the St. Mary's Hospital Auxiliary, P.E.O., Chapter FS, the Morning Music Club, and The Tuesday Club. Survivors include: Ellen Exon Burns, Columbia, Mo.; Charles S. Exon II of Irvine, Calif.; 11 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren. She was also preceded in death by: her sister, Helen Lewis; brother, John W. (Jack) Lewis; and her daughter, Carolan Exon Underwood. Visitation will be held from 10:00 until 11:00 a.m., Thursday, June 29, 2017 at First Presbyterian Church with a memorial service following at 11:00 a.m. with the Reverend Dr. David Henry officiating. Private graveside services will be held at Riverview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the American Cancer Society. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Freeman Mortuary. www.freemanmortuary.com