Ann (Elder) Hepler

Rebecca ‘Ann’ Elder Hepler, 86, of Greensboro, peacefully went home to be with her Lord and Savior on December 27, 2025, reuniting with her cherished husband. She was surrounded by her loving daughters and immediate family after years of bravely battling Alzheimer’s and Cancer.

Born on October 3rd, 1939, Ann graduated from Grimsley High School. She began her career at the Internal Revenue Service as a tax consultant and later as an administrative assistant. After dedicating several years to being a stay-at-home mom, she returned to work as an administrative assistant for the United States Postal Service, retiring in 1996 after 31 years of Federal Service.

Ann was a devoted wife to her husband Don for 66 years and a loving mother to her children: Kathy Byrd, Patty Gray, and Wayne Hepler. She was a proud Mimi to seven grandchildren: Jessica Stephens (Glen), Brittany Kohns (Aaron), Mendy Sims (Dallas), Amanda Byrd (Eric Doyle), Dustin Gray (Kaisa), Kayla Hepler (fiancé Nathan), and Samantha Jobe (Kaden). She was blessed with nine great-grandchildren: Mathew, Lane, Vanessa, Gavin, Everett, Riddeon, Reagan, Lincoln, and Eleanore (Nora).

Ann was preceded in death by her beloved parents Joseph ‘Alvin’ and Rebecca Elder; sisters Frances Elder Koury, Charline Elder, and Vickie Elder; and brothers Joseph Bobby Elder and Harold Eugene Elder. Surviving siblings are Marcelle Koury, Margie Elder, JW Elder, and Wayne Elder.

Ann shared her love of the beach, camping in the NC mountains, cross-country trips and world travel with her family. She spent over 20 years creating lasting memories with her entire family at their home on Topsail Island.

In her retirement years, Ann and her beloved husband enjoyed boating and fishing in the Carolinas and Florida Keys. Memories of fishing, boat rides, skiing/tubing, shelling, and most importantly, the love she showed everyone will be cherished forever. In her last years, she enjoyed sitting on the back deck of their home with Don, watching the antics of the birds, squirrels and deer.

Ann was a long-time member of Community Baptist Church. She shared her faith with her children and grandchildren, always willing to take them for Sunday services and youth group events.  Sponsoring her grandchildren’s Christian summer camp weeks was always a priority. 

She loved to cook for her family.  Our Sunday lunches, birthday parties, and holidays were filled with delicious food, love and laughter.

Though she may be gone, her unbreakable spirit will live on in our hearts. We will cherish the memories we shared forever.

The family will receive friends at Community Baptist Church in the original chapel at 1330 Burnetts Chapel Rd, Greensboro, NC 27406, on Thursday, January 1st, 2026 from 10:00 am – 10:45 am before her celebration of life service at 11:00 am with Pastors J. R. Gossett and Chris Davis officiating.  A private family interment will follow.   

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the dedicated staff at Heritage Greens, AuthoraCare Hospice and Beacon Place for all their exceptional kindness, compassion, and unwavering care for our beloved Mom (Mimi) during her final months.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Beacon Place or Hospice Home of AuthoraCare Collective, 2504 Summit Avenue, Greensboro, NC 27405.

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