Anne Spencer Best, 86, of Raleigh, NC died on July 9, after a short battle with an autoimmune disease and cancer. She was born on October 2, 1936 in Plymouth, NC. Anne was the daughter of the late Herman Bly Spencer and Marjorie Noble Spencer, and the wife of the late W. Dean Best. Dean died February 26, 2016.

An alumna of Goldsboro High School, Anne attended Women’s College/UNCG and graduated in 1958 with a degree in mathematics. Anne married Dean in 1958, and after being a stay-at-home mom raising two children she became a realtor with Howard Perry and Walston where she worked for 36 years.

Anne was active until the end of her life. Playing tennis into her 80s then pickleball and walking. Her only complaint was she had a hard time finding people to play that were her age! Anne enjoyed many years of travel and boating with her husband Dean. She adored her lifelong tennis friends from NRCC and all their girlfriend trips to the US Open Tennis in NYC. The past few years Anne loved playing bridge both online and in person with "The BBs." She was also very active in the AARP of Raleigh. She was a voracious reader and enjoyed being a member of a book club. She was a wonderful cook, experimenting with different ethnic cuisines and had a great appreciation for the 5:00 wine hour.

Anne was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, and brother William Conrad Spencer, II.

She is survived by her daughter Melissa Noble Best of Raleigh; her son Matthew Spencer Best and wife Cheri, of Louisville, KY; step-grandchildren Nick Wall, Andrew Wall and Rochelle Wall of Louisville, KY; Lou Carpenter, sister-in-law of Raleigh; Mary Rose Spencer, sister-in-law of Richmond, VA, and several nieces and nephews.

The world lost a special lady on Sunday. She touched so many lives and spread so much love. In lieu of flowers please give the gift of kindness. The family will receive friends at a gathering Thursday, July 13 at North Ridge Country Club from 4-6pm.