Ann McCall Buie

Emily Christiana “Ann” McCall Buie, affectionately known to her family as “Nina,” passed away on August 3, 2026. She leaves behind a remarkable legacy of unwavering faith, unconditional love, wisdom, strength, and quiet generosity.

Born on January 30, 1945, in Laurinburg, North Carolina, Ann was the daughter of Walter Vivian McCall and Julia Marie Kincaid McCall. She graduated from Laurinburg High School, where she played basketball and developed the competitive spirit that remained with her throughout her life. She later attended Appalachian State University, where she pursued general studies.

Following her education, Ann began a professional life marked by intelligence, determination, integrity, and strong leadership. For nearly 40 years, she served as co-owner of Olsten Staffing, helping build what became one of the most successful Olsten franchises of its time. Her longtime business partnership with her sister-in-law, Vicky, was built upon such trust and mutual respect that they never had an argument in nearly four decades.

Ann was refined, gracious, proper, and always impeccably stylish. She had exceptional taste, carried herself with dignity, and possessed a brilliant and discerning mind. She was honest and direct, never afraid to call things as she saw them, yet she did so with tact and a sincere desire to do what was right. She was always the first person her family turned to for advice, guidance, or a life lesson. She was a trusted guide whose wisdom brought direction, confidence, and comfort to those she loved. She possessed a strong presence without ever needing to demand attention, could always bring laughter to those around her, and held closely the people, traditions, and memories she treasured most. Above all, Ann loved her family more than anything in the world. Loyal to her core, she was a devoted wife, a loving mother and grandmother, a treasured daughter and sister, and a faithful friend. She made being Nina so special that others often said they wished she were their Nina too. As her family would lovingly say, Nina was never wrong about anything—or at least, she rarely gave anyone reason to believe otherwise.

Ann was a devout Christian whose faith formed the foundation of her life. She knew her Bible, trusted in God’s promises, and shared the Gospel through both her words and the way she lived. Her faith was not reserved only for life’s joyful seasons; it remained steadfast through unimaginable sorrow. When Ann endured the heartbreaking loss of her only son, Scott, her faith in God never wavered. Though she carried tremendous grief, she continued to draw strength from her relationship with the Lord. Her steadfast belief through such profound loss revealed the depth of her faith, the strength of her spirit, and the eternal hope upon which she built her life. Ann did not simply speak about her faith—she demonstrated it. She quietly prepared and delivered meals to charitable organizations, supported numerous charities, and generously gave her time and service to those in need. Her kindness was personal, private, and sincere, and her life was a powerful example of Christian faith in action.

Ann shared an especially close bond with her brother, Allen McCall, who was also one of her very best friends. Allen lovingly described her as a “pathfinder”—the one who boldly went first, discovered the way forward, and occasionally found the trouble while he somehow managed to avoid it. Their relationship was filled with love, laughter, loyalty, and a lifetime of treasured memories.

Ann found joy in both beautiful and simple things. She loved flowers, birdwatching, spectator sports, her girls’ luncheons, favorite sitcoms, and coloring on her iPad. She was also an avid and highly competitive bridge player—some would say the best in Laurinburg.

More than any activity, Ann treasured time spent with her family and friends. Whether gathered around a table, sharing stories and laughter, watching a game, or simply enjoying one another’s company, her presence made every occasion more meaningful.

Ann is survived by her daughters, Vivian M. Sidden (Mark) and Ashley W. Mabes (JC); her stepdaughter, Evelyn Shytle (Chip); her stepsons, Cliffton Buie (Angell) and Frank Buie (Angie); and her brother, Allen McCall (Vicky).

She is also survived by her grandchildren, Dr. Elis Sidden, Scott Masterson, and Zach Sidden; her step-grandchildren, Kitch Deaton (Grant), Mary Elizabeth Peacock (Brian), Will Shytle (Mel), Katie Gardner (Matt), Munroe Lippard (Luke), Jackson Medlin, Alex Medlin, Charlie Buie, Carson Buie, Thomas Buie, and Isabel Buie; her nieces, Erin (Jon) and Audra (Christopher); her nephew, Matt (Beth); 11 great-grandchildren; and nine great-nieces and great-nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Walter Vivian McCall and Julia Marie Kincaid McCall; her husband, Charles Gibson Buie, Jr.; her son, Gregory Scott Watson; and her stepson, Charles Gibson Buie III.

A memorial service will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at First United Methodist Church in Laurinburg, with the Reverend Kellie Gallagher officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the service in the church’s Fellowship Hall.

Ann will be laid to rest in a private ceremony at Hillside Memorial Park in Laurinburg.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Laurinburg First United Methodist Church, 101 West Church Street, Laurinburg, NC 28352.

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