Member of the Month 

November 2006

Anna Lee Bane

by: Tom Whitener

November always brings familiar things to mind … the cooler outdoor temperatures, the distinct smells of turkey and pumpkin pie, and the prospect of family gathering together. We have selected a familiar face for our November 2006 Member of the Month. Anna Lee Bane has even earned an “unofficial” title of being “Everyone’s Granny” in our church. 

Anna Lee is familiar with her surroundings. A life-long West Virginia resident, Anna Lee and Rex (her husband of 27 years) watched their children (Gary and Bonnie) grow up in church. Her children are all grown up with families of their own, and Rex passed away almost 33 years ago. Anna Lee can recall names and memories from the past with remarkable clarity and vivid detail. Nowadays, Anna Lee is still handling babysitting duties for several little ones, a “job” she has loved doing for over 50 years. 

Through a revival at her church, Anna Lee came to the saving knowledge of Christ when she was 13 years old. She was baptized in a small pond near the church. “The water wasn’t too cold,” she explains, “Lucky for me, it (my baptism) took place in early September that year.”  

Anna Lee is familiar with her church family. Anticipating that I might ask her this question, Anna Lee came prepared with an answer. She has been a member of Spring Hill Baptist Church for, as she jokingly puts it, “too many years to remember.” Actually, she has been attending our church for 52 years and also mentions that four generations of her family are presently coming here.

She proudly occupies her front row seat in the choir loft singing songs of praise…her favorite hymn being “Amazing Grace”. Her talented alto voice blends in with the old Gospel favorites as a key ingredient of the Ladies Trio ensemble, along with Janet Snodgrass and Jama Whittaker.    

Anna Lee is familiar with the Word of God. She claims John 3:16 is her favorite verse because “it’s a promise we can’t ignore.” Anna Lee speaks of her childhood when she was taught the verse but not necessarily the reference. Anna Lee continues, “So I learned a lot of verses, but I might not be able to tell you exactly where they are found.” 

 As the stoves get heated up with holiday food, Anna Lee will be in the kitchen baking her famous cherry cheesecake.  Anna Lee also seems to have the right recipe on making a meaningful connection in her Christian life through her sweet smile and her timely testimony at Spring Hill Baptist Church.  She says, “We all need to take what the Lord has given to us and make the best of it … and be thankful.”    

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