Elizabeth “Libby” Ann Wilhelm Redman, 87, of Statesville, N.C., passed away Wednesday, August 17, 2022. She was born to Paul and Eva Catherine Martin Wilhelm on December 14, 1934, in Iredell County, N.C.
Libby graduated from Statesville Senior High School in 1954, where she fell in love with her high school sweetheart, William “Bill” Walter Redman Jr. After graduation, Bill enlisted in the Army as a pilot, while Libby attended Lees-McRae College in Banner Elk, training as a medical secretary. Following Bill and Libby’s wedding on December 28, 1956, together they traveled the globe and moved 17 times during Bill’s 20 years of service in the Army. They settled in Statesville, where Libby assisted Bill with his N.C. Senate campaign. She was heavily involved in volunteering for the Republican Women’s Club, Iredell County Public Library, various garden clubs, First Baptist Church of Statesville and in the local schools where her children attended. Another career opportunity led Bill and Libby to Raleigh, N.C. Here, Libby would give of her gifts and talents to Hayes Barton Baptist Church, a Women’s Prison Ministry in the birth and establishment of the Beacon House to assist women as they transition out of prison. Libby was also very active in ‘Bible Study Fellowship’, led by Anne Graham Lotz, which used a highly structured study method of scripture. After attending several sessions, Libby, being a lifelong learner, studied diligently to become a small group leader herself.
She is survived by three daughters, Lisa Flanigan and husband Mike of Boone, N.C; Kathryn “Kit” Marlene Roberts and husband Gary of Candler, N.C., and Adrienne Franklin and husband Mike of Candler, N.C.; grandchildren Christopher “Chris” Flanigan (Kathryn), Abigail “Abi” Flanigan (Jason Yates), Margaret “Maggie” Flanigan (Sam Brown), Tyler Tanzi, William “Case” Franklin and Camille “Millie” Elizabeth Franklin; and great grandchildren, James “Jimmy” Flanigan, Violet Flanigan, Fern Flanigan.
A public visitation will be held Friday, August 26, 2022, from 10 to 11 a.m. at Bunch-Johnson Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held in the funeral home chapel at 11 am. Burial will be private at South River Baptist Church. Mike Flanigan, Chris Flanigan, Gary Roberts, and Mike Franklin will serve as pallbearers. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Libby’s memory to Four Seasons Hospice, 215 N. Main Street, Hendersonville, NC 28792 or Billy Graham Training Center, 1 Porters Cove Road, Asheville, NC 28805.
Libby was a devoted Christian, who loved and served her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She was a prayer warrior, whose faith would be a stronghold, a firm foundation for her while her husband was at war and she at home with two small children. Libby would read the Bible, Genesis to Revelation, several times, while being encouraged by stories of faith, trust, and the promise of peace. She never grasped nor sought the limelight, was always ready to lend a helping hand behind the scenes, always exhibiting a servant’s spirit. She was a devoted wife and attentive mother, who hosted memorable birthday parties for her girls, always decorating the cake herself. Libby loved and laughed her way through life’s mountains and valleys.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Leigh Martinson, her caregivers at Pisgah Villas and Pisgah Manor, who helped her navigate her final years gracefully.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.bunchjohnsonfuneralhome.com for the Redman family.
Bunch-Johnson is honored to be serving the Redman family.