Anne Greer Banta (née Shirley Anne Greer), 81, of Orlando, Fla., died peacefully on October 15, following a hard-fought battle with heart disease. She was born on June 8, 1935, the fifth of seven children, in Shelby, N.C.

At her side when she died was her beloved daughter, Karan Goodhue of Newtown.

Her son Scott W. Spradley of Flagler Beach, Fla.; her sister, Marjorie Greer Rainey of Rockingham N.C.; her grandchildren, Marc Giannavola and Alyson Poole Spradley; Alyson's mother, Susan Tassell Spradley; stepchildren, Ginger Banta Michel and Robert Banta; and 14 nephews and nieces also survive her. Her husband, George Riddle "Bud" Banta III; her parents, Mr and Mrs Samuel Greer; her sisters, Peggy Percival and Faye McMullen; and her brothers, Sam Greer, Jr, Richard Greer, and Douglas Greer, predeceased her. She was also preceded in death by Scott and Karan's father, Scott W. Spradley, Sr.

Mrs Banta was a cheerleader in school and a vibrant young girl. She was so very proud to have been presented as a debutante at the Western Carolina Debutante Ball in 1953. She was a young mom to Scotty and Karan and went on to be a successful assistant in many large corporations after she relocated to New York City, and then on to Ridgefield. After meeting and marrying Bud in 1979, she moved on to Wisconsin briefly before settling in Florida. She was active in the Piper's Landing Yacht & Country Club, in Palm City, Fla., where she and Bud enjoyed so much with so many friends.

On her 55th birthday, in 1990, Mrs Banta's daughter presented her with her first grandchild, Marc, and they became fast friends. Marc, unable to get a big word like "grandma" out, settled on "Mimi" and that is who she became to everyone she met. Marc enjoyed spending time in the summers with Mimi, as he grew up with Mimi and Papa B, and was so happy to share his Mimi with new cousin Alyson. Mrs Banta loved her two grandbabies so very much.

In 2001, Mrs Banta and her husband moved from Palm City to Orlando to be near her son Scott, and his wife, Susan, to welcome the arrival of their daughter, Alyson. Mrs Banta and Alyson developed an incredible bond during their time together, and Alyson will miss her Mimi dearly.

Mrs Banta died peacefully after a short illness. She will be remembered as a friend to all and as the life of the party to so very many. Her family says she was a true and faithful servant of the Lord, and they are comforted to know that she is by His side.

A memorial service of joy and remembrance was conducted on October 29.