Dora Ann "Ann" Tipton Burgess, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully at her home in Sunny View NC on September 23, 2026, at the age of 81. She was born on March 11, 1945, in Yancey County, North Carolina, to the late Tom Ed Tipton and Mae Silvers Tipton.

Ann married the love of her life, Leon Artis Burgess, on March 16, 1963. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, and serving others. Their home was always a place of warmth, laughter, and hospitality, where everyone was made to feel welcome.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Leon Burgess; her daughters, Judy Burgess Alexander of Hendersonville and Teresa Burgess DeBruhl and husband, Linsey DeBruhl, of Asheville; her grandchildren, Jesse Burgess DeBruhl and wife, Leah, of Asheville, Tristan Julie-Ann Brown of Hendersonville, and Shelby DeBruhl Maag and husband, Zachary, of Simpsonville, South Carolina; and her cherished great-grandchildren, Landon Zachary Maag, Jackson Hayes Maag, and Rory Ann DeBruhl.

She is also survived by her brothers, Clyde "Red" Tipton of Burnsville, Wade Tipton of Rutherfordton, Truman Tipton of Sunny View, North Carolina, Horace Tipton of Sunny View NC and Merley "June" Tipton of Unicoi, Tennessee, as well as her sister, Ilene Lane of Rutherfordton.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Paul Tipton of Burnsville, North Carolina, and her sister, Iva Guffey of Forest City, North Carolina.

Although Ann completed only a fifth-grade education, she possessed wisdom, work ethic, and servant's heart that touched countless lives. She worked as a nanny and homemaker, but her life's work was caring for others. Whether she was raising her own family, loving her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, preparing meals for someone in need, or opening her home to family and friends, Ann served others with joy, humility, and an unwavering spirit. She had a remarkable ability to come to the aid of friends and family and never hesitated to step in wherever she was needed.

A faithful member of Coopers Gap Baptist Church since 1978, Ann joyfully served in many ministries through the years, including the Youth Department, Nursery, Vacation Bible School, Seniors Ministry, Hospitality, Meet and Greet, and the Floral Ministry. Her faith was evident not only in her service but also in the way she cared for those around her.

Ann found happiness in life's simple blessings. She loved gardening, cooking, walking, and especially spending time with her family. Her homemade biscuits became legendary, and she never missed an opportunity to gather loved ones together.

More than anything, Ann loved children. As her family grew from children to grandchildren and great-grandchildren, so did her heart.

Her legacy is one of unwavering faith, selfless service, unconditional love, and a home where everyone belonged.

Visitation will be held at Coopers Gap Baptist Church on October 3, 2026, from 10:00 – 11:00 followed by the service celebrating her life from 11:00 – 12:00 pm.

Following the service, the family warmly invites everyone to join them in the church fellowship hall for a Celebration of Life Luncheon, where family and friends can gather, share memories, and celebrate a life so dearly loved.