Anne's father was the superintendent of the Virginia State Farm and their home was on the grounds of the Goochland side of the James River. It was lovely and the large rooms provided Anne and her friends fun places to play and get into mischief. The yard was filled with lots of big trees to climb and a pool filled with gold fish and a fountain to play in. Inmates, classified as trustees, were assigned to the homes of the employees who resided on the grounds. They tolerated little Anne while making kites and flying them with her, building a doll house and cradle out of match sticks, and making bedroom furniture by hand. A few of the trustees kept in touch with her and the family after leaving the State Farm. Anne's childhood was always an adventure and provided her with lifelong memories.

Anne graduated from Goochland High School and then Lynchburg College. She moved to Hampton where she began her career at the Hampton Police Division. In May, 1975, she met Karl, a new recruit, who in July 1982 would become her husband. Her last eighteen years were spent as the Division's Crime Analyst. It was a twenty-four/seven job for her. The job was perfect for her curious mind and ability to research, analyze and solve. She took great pride in her position and was very proud of her successes. Anne cared so much for the officers and always considered them family. It was a very rewarding position which afforded her the opportunity to travel to various police departments, make lasting friendships with law enforcement personnel throughout the country and having the honor of receiving special training at the F.B.I. Academy in Quantico VA.

Being a true lover of animals, Anne was quite often on a mission to "save" one of them. Because of this love, she purchased an island in Hampton and registered it as a wildlife habitat. She loved all of God's creatures and truly tried to save them all, or at least the ones she saw in distress, being abused, or neglected. It wasn't anything for her to stop traffic for a family of ducks or make trips to the animal hospital for an animal not her own. Muscovy ducks and a Graylag goose were given names and became friends/pets. Dear friends were made because of animals. Because of her caring and love for a sweet kitty named Stubby, a long and special relationship with the Harrison family developed. Anne never stopped missing her special little four legged friends: Sparkle, Grizzley, Tinker, Lilly, and two legged, Big Daddy and Honker.

The needs of others and finding a way to help them was always important to Anne. Keeping in touch with those who were having difficulties was a priority. Volunteering at a Night's Welcome and at St. Mark's UMC on USDA Saturdays was a blessing to her.

Anne always thought she would return to Goochland County, but realized that a large part of her heart was on the Peninsula. Her church of over thirty years and many dear friends in the area kept her from leaving, but she never lost touch with those back home who were special to her. Anne was a member of Phoebus United Methodist Church. She loved her church and serving the Lord, which she did in many ways, through caring for his house and serving on committees within the church and district.

Anne passed away on January 10, 2021 and is survived by her husband Karl, who was always the wind beneath her winds; special cousins, and dear friends in Goochland, from college, church, her walking buddies, neighbors, and HPD. Anne was preceded in death by her parents, Evelyn and M.L. Royster, special brother, Randy, dear relative and friends. Anne made the comment that, "although she never liked to travel, she was looking forward to this final trip when she would be able to see her family, especially Randy."

A private graveside service will be held for Anne at Westhampton Memorial Park, in Henrico County. A celebration of life will follow at a later date.

The family would like to thank Dr. Kruger and the staff at Virginia Oncology for their amazing care as well as the nurses and staff from Personal Touch Hospice.

Arrangements are by R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home, Hampton.