Anne Marie Brown Alston, 75, of Charlotte, NC, passed away on Friday, April 17, 2026, at Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center in Charlotte, NC.

Anne Marie Brown Alston was born to Will Brown and Mary Grier on May 19, 1950. At the time of her impending birth, Anne’s mother, Mary, was unable to make it to the hospital in time for delivery. Thus, ‘Baby Anne’ was delivered at home by her grandmother, Annie Ree, and became her namesake.

Eventually her grandparents, Willie and Annie Young, became her guardians. Through her formative years, she received love, guidance, and Christian tutelage from them. Just as they were members of Greater Mt. Sinai Baptist Church, Anne also later committed her life to Jesus Christ and became a member of the congregation.

Anne was educated in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School System and was a graduate of West Charlotte High School, Class of 1968. Anne furthered her education at North Carolina Central University, earning her Bachelor of Arts Degree, Class of 1973. A lifelong learner, she later continued her studies at Gardner Webb University, earning a Master of Arts in Curriculum and Supervision in 2016. After 38 years of devoted service in education, Anne retired in 2010 from the State of North Carolina.

While attending North Carolina Central University, Anne met her knight in shining armor -- Otis Lee Alston. They were married January 2, 1971. They were blessed with two beautiful daughters, Monica and Janine, and a wonderful granddaughter, Jatoria.

Throughout her illustrious teaching career, she served at Edna Andrews Elementary, Parkwood Middle, J.M. Alexander Middle, West Mecklenburg High, Harding High, and West Charlotte High Schools. At the onset of her illness, she was serving once again at Mallard Creek High School, where she was affectionately referred to as ‘Grandma’ by her students and colleagues. When asked, Anne stated that her favorite thing about teaching was being around young people and helping them to learn – not just academically but also in life lessons.

Anne enjoyed many hobbies in her life. In addition to cross-stitching, macramé, and quilting, she enjoyed volunteering with the youth at church and coaching cheerleading. Anne was also a proud and active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Charlotte Alumnae Chapter, where she often assisted with various service projects and activities.

Anne was preceded in death by her parents and her siblings, Thomas “Teddy” Grier and Cynthia Joseph. Anne is survived by her husband of 55 years, Otis; daughter, Monica Alston-Carr (Olanda); daughter, Janine Alston; and granddaughter Jatoria Sturdivant. Additionally, Anne is survived by her siblings – Carolyn Brown Jenkins, Barbara Joseph, Darleen Joseph, Llamas Joseph, Myra Robinson (Michael); sister-in-law, Ann Bass (Albernard); and brothers-in-law Gene Alston, Robert Alston (Barbara), and Willie Alston (Vera). Anne also leaves behind members of her treasured sisterhood – the ‘Sensational Sisters’, a special friend group that spanned over 50 years – and a host of other relatives, sorors, and friends.