Anne Henderson Lloyd, 86, passed away in her sleep on January 8, 2012 at her home in Croasdaile Village Retirement Community, Durham, NC. Born in Queens, New York City, to Joseph John and Anna Stirnweiss Henderson, she graduated from Cooper Union School of Art with a degree in fine arts. Her first job was in Manhattan, in advertising with the Mutual Broadcasting Company. In 1947 she married William Gilbert Lloyd, to whom she was married for 61 years until his death in 2008. Although they were both born in New York, they lived in Rhode Island, Michigan, New Jersey, and Kentucky, where Bill was Professor of Organic Chemistry and Dean, Ogden College of Science, Western Kentucky University. Upon retirement, they moved to Atlanta and then to Durham.

Anne retained her keen eye for color and design throughout her life. While raising three children she dabbled in advertising and graphics, taught art classes in a mental health facility, and owned a ceramics studio. It was, however, her deep, abiding commitment to social justice issues that defined her life. Starting in the 1940s when she collected signatures for the United Nations Charter, she spent her whole life advocating for equal rights for all people, regardless of gender, race or sexual orientation. A self-described political junkie, she was, in the past year, profoundly concerned about a growing lack of tolerance in American society and, in this vein, she was planning to work for President Obama’s re-election campaign. She remained intellectually sharp, erudite, and opinionated.

New Yorkers who ended up embracing the south, Anne and Bill traveled the world extensively after Bill’s retirement, with numerous trips to Europe, Asia, Australia, and Central America. Anne’s love of adventure and generous spirit were accompanied by her flexibility. She welcomed new ideas, changed with the times, and lived fully. As she faced physical limitations, she stayed active and upbeat. A late interest in genealogy led to extensive family history research, a reconnection with long-lost cousins, and the production of books for the family.

Family was Anne’s greatest joy and nothing made her happier than being with everyone. Christmas of 2011 was a wonderful, warm holiday with all of her children and grandchildren. She leaves her brother, Peter Henderson, Buffalo, NY; and three children, Susan (Ken) Schulz, Chapel Hill; David (Emily Balsam) Lloyd, Lexington, KY; and Peter (Gene Lashley) Lloyd, Atlanta, GA; as well as grandchildren Travis (Blair) Lloyd, Nashville, TN; Amy Lloyd, Lexington, KY; Cameron Schulz, Columbus, OH; and Kirsten Schulz, Chapel Hill. The family thanks Anne’s two caregivers, Shirley Jackson and Betty McNeil, for their devoted care and commitment to Anne.

Anne will be remembered by her family and friends for her indefatigable spirit, optimism, grace, kindness, sharp wit and deep loving spirit. Her wishes were for a private family service. Remembrances or donations may go to the Human Rights Campaign, Planned Parenthood, or Obama for President.