May 6, 2026, 88, La Grange – Lillian “Anne” Elmore Farmer, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, faithful friend, and devoted follower of Christ, went home to be with her Savior on May 6, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.
Born in Lenoir County to the late Nellie and Jesse “Snow” Elmore, Anne was raised on the Elmore family farms near Hugo, North Carolina. Those early roots shaped her lifelong love of family, faith, hard work, and the beauty of God’s creation. She especially enjoyed tending her garden and roses whenever she was able, and she treasured time spent traveling and making memories with friends and loved ones.
Anne was a faithful member of Bethel Free Will Baptist Church, where she quietly and faithfully served others through encouragement, friendship, visits with widows, and shared meals. Her kindness and gentle spirit touched many lives, and she was known as a true peacemaker who led by example in love, grace, and steadfast faith.
For 49 wonderful years, she shared life’s adventures with her husband and love of her life, Jesse Farmer. Together they traveled across the country, enjoyed cheering on the Kinston Indians, and spent many happy days attending NASCAR races and making cherished memories together.
Anne’s love of fellowship with others was evident in her daily gatherings with friends at Bojangles in La Grange and Fat Baby’s in Kinston. The staff at both locations were always caring and made sure to get her order just as she wanted. Without even asking, they knew she wanted extra brown biscuits and hot fries.
Even in her final moments, Anne’s heart remained centered on her faith and family. Her last words encouraged those she loved to remain strong in their faith and to lean on the Lord’s wisdom and truth throughout life.
A service of love and remembrance will be held at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 10, 2026 at Bethel Free Will Baptist Church with Rev. Chris Truett officiating. The family will receive friends prior to the service, beginning at 4:00 p.m.
Entombment will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, May 11, 2026 at Pinelawn Memorial Park.
She is preceded in death by her beloved husband Jesse Ray Farmer; cherished son Michael Keith Farmer; and her siblings Cecil Elmore, Carroll Elmore, and Marie Helms. She leaves behind a loving family who will forever treasure her legacy: her son, Jesse “Ray” Farmer, Jr. and wife Pam Jarnagin Farmer; daughter-in-law Betsy Kearney Farmer, widow of her son Michael Farmer; grandchildren Jessica Farmer Turner and husband Dustin of Winterville, Megan Farmer Carmona of Raleigh, Sara Farmer Ginn and husband Taylor of La Grange, Caitlin Farmer Todd, widow of Connor Todd, of Moncure, Hannah Farmer Privette and husband Joseph of Sanford, and Michael “Jesse” Farmer of Moncure.
She was also blessed with great-grandchildren who brought her immense joy: Piper, Violet, Jack, and Lily Jean Turner; Aubrey and Adeline Carmona; Hadley and Miller Kate Ginn; Faith and Lillian Cait Todd; and Gabriel, Theo, and Jasper Privette.
She is further survived by her beloved brother-in-law, Griffin Layden; and sisters-in-law, Patricia Farmer Everett, Peggy Elmore, and Marie Elmore.
Though deeply missed, Lillian’s family rejoices in the promise of eternal life and the example of unwavering faith, love, and gentleness she leaves behind.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.rousefh.com.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution in Anne’s memory to Bethel Free Will Baptist Church or Bethel Christian Academy, 1936 Banks School Road, Kinston, NC 28504.
Arrangements are entrusted to Rouse Funeral Home, La Grange.
