Ann Fitzpatrick Klein, 87, a Methodist educator and longtime activist for social causes, died at her home in Twin Lakes Community in Burlington on Dec. 25. She was in hospice care following cancer surgery.

A memorial service will be held 2:30 pm Sunday, Jan. 1 at the May-Foley Chapel at Twin Lakes, Burlington.

Raised in the South, Ann spent much of her adult life in Ohio with husband John D. "Jack" Klein, a Methodist minister. While raising a family, she assisted her husband's ministry as director of religious education at several churches. Ann was interim minister at a Dayton congregation and then directed the church's community outreach programs.

In 1986, the couple retired to Chapel Hill and relocated to Twin Lakes Community in 2006. Jack Klein died later that year.

Born in Culloden, GA in 1924, Ann was daughter of Thomas M. and Anna W. Fitzpatrick. Ann's great grandfather Marion Hill Fitzpatrick was a Confederate soldier whose wartime letters were compiled into the book "Letters to Amanda."

Ann was educated at Georgia State College for Women (degree in 1945) and Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, Evansville, IL (1948). A student leader, Ann was president of the Wesley Foundation on her college campus and participated in the World Christian Youth Conference in Norway in 1947. Later that year, she married Jack, whom she met at seminary.

During her later years in North Carolina, Ann continued her social work with the Council on Aging and Inter-Faith Council in Chapel Hill. She worked and raised money for multiple charities such as Habitat for Humanity and Heifer International.

A skilled seamstress, Ann's varied interests included traditional basket weaving and cooking. She was a passionate fan of UNC Tar Heel basketball, and helped lead the book club at Twin Lakes Community. She was a member of Elon Community Church.

Ann is survived by four children: Kathy Klein of Carrboro, NC; Ken Klein (Susan DeFord) of Silver Spring, MD; Keith Klein (Anne Spiesman) of Arlington, VA; and Kristine Barcley (Rev. William Barcley) of Matthews, NC, and 11 grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to Heifer International, 1 World Ave., Little Rock, AR 72202 (www.heifer.org).