Annie R. Price

A Time to Be Born - Annie R. Price, the daughter of the late Hillard Melton and Mary Hooks Johnson, was born on June 15, 1941, and raised in Shorter, Alabama. She peacefully passed away at her residence on January 31, 2024. A Time to Worship - Annie had devoted herself to God publicly and privately, adorning her home with Bible scriptures. Her divine calling was to embody "the hands and feet of Jesus Christ" for those in need. Initially serving as an usher at Christian Tabernacle Baptist Church in Hamden, CT, she later joined Living Word (Vertical) in West Haven, CT. Annie consistently greeted attendees during the fellowship hour after Sunday services and actively participated in the tract witnessing ministry. She faithfully delivered tracts door-to-door every week until her health declined. Annie remained a dedicated member until her death. A Time for Work - Annie worked several jobs before finding her favorite employment with Saint Raphael's Hospital. She worked her way up from a pediatric aide to a unit clerk in the emergency room before retiring in 2004 after 37 years. Annie was crafty with her hands; she loved to garden, sew, crochet, and make floral arrangements. A Time for Family - In 1961, Annie arrived in New Haven, CT, establishing it as her residence. The following year, Annie married Gerard Franklin, her ex-husband, and they welcomed two daughters during their union. Later, Annie entered into matrimony with Maurice Price, and this marriage endured until his passing in 2002. She is survived by her cherished daughters, Dell Williams and her husband, Arthur Williams (New Haven, CT), and Shawn Buskey and her husband, Frank Buskey (East Haven, CT). Annie leaves behind five grandchildren: Antuan Garrett (Atlanta, GA), Arthur Williams Jr. (New Haven, CT), Paris Buskey (Louisa, VA), Leslie Williams (New Haven, CT), Natasha Mbiya and her husband, Francis Mbiya (Broadway, VA), along with seven great-grandchildren. Her brothers include Dave Melton and his wife Marriane Melton (Jackson, MS), Jerry and Willie Melton, and Frederick Hooks, all from Montgomery, AL. She is also survived by sister-in-law Laura Melton (Deatsville, AL) and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives. Irene Johnson and Francis Belton were two dear friends who occupied a special place in her heart. Annie's husband, parents, brothers Hilliard Jr. and Nathaniel Melton, and sister Mary Lee Smith preceded her in death.

Annie R. Price

June 15, 1941 - January 31, 2024