Ginger Icenhour Annas

With grace and grit, Ginger Icenhour Annas, 66, of Taylorsville, fought hard until the end, peacefully going to be with the Lord on Friday, April 10th. Born August 18th, 1959, her life was marked by selfless service, she was the heartbeat for so many. She was a pillar of strength for her family, a devoted friend, and passionately served in her church with the children, and local veterans' chapters. To know her was to feel fully loved and supported, always welcomed with a hug and a smile. Her generosity, kindness, and uplifting spirit were truly the hands and feet of Jesus.

A dedicated patriot and healer, she served nearly 30 years in the Army Reserves and the NC Air National Guard, retiring in 2010 as a Lieutenant Colonel. As a decorated Flight Nurse, she earned the Air Medal and Aerial Achievement Medal for providing critical care in high-pressure environments. She made history as the first female commander of VFW Post 5466 and held leadership roles with the DAV, VetCom, and the Alexander County Honor Guard.

A Registered Nurse by trade, she continued her lifelong commitment to service as the Veteran Services Officer for Alexander County.

Ginger was preceded in death by her father, Ralph Icenhour. She is survived by her loving husband of 18 years, Mike Annas; mother Betty Icenhour, her children, Stewart Akers (Christine), Katie Hanshew (Ray), and Kellie Grogg (Chapman); her brother Dennis Icenhour; her grandchildren, Houston, Lydia, Michael, Stella, Ralph, Arya, Caroline, and Eleanor. She leaves behind a legacy of love for all of her ‘little veteran boys’, her extended family, friends, and comrades. She will also be greatly missed by her loyal donkey-guards, Hank and Willie, hardy laying hens, and Chief Chewing Officer, Taco.

Visitation will be held in the East Taylorsville Baptist Church Sanctuary Tuesday April 14, 2026 from 3:00 pm to 4:45 pm. The service will be held in the East Taylorsville Baptist Church Sanctuary Tuesday April 14, 2026 at 5:00 pm. Rev. Kevin White will officiate. Burial will take place at a later date in the Salisbury National Cemetery with full military rites provided by the United States Air Force. Pallbearers will be Stewart Akers, Ray Hanshew, Chapman Grogg, Houston Hanshew, Patrick Sherrill, and Corey Sherrill.

We salute a legacy that honors Christ and country.

Philippians 2:3-4 (NIV): "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of others."

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Alexander County Veteran's Committee at 582 Carrigan Rd Taylorsville, NC 28681.