ROCKINGHAM — One seat on the City Council sat empty during the August meeting.
After nearly a decade of public service, Anne Edwards is stepping down.
The council accepted Edwards’ resignation after Mayor John Hutchinson read aloud a letter she submitted, expressing her regret.
“My health has brought me to a point that I can no longer fulfill my position as an effective city council member,” Edwards said in the letter. “Therefore, I submit my resignation from my position. I thank you for the support of the council and the opportunity to serve the citizens of Rockingham.”
Edwards has been absent from several meetings in the past year because of her health and her husband recently passed away.
Councilwoman Denise Sullivan said he has visited with Edwards several times and noted that Edwards has limited mobility.
“Anne just felt like this was the best thing — not that she wanted to do it,” Sullivan said, adding that Edwards thought it was in the best interests of the council and residents of the city to step down.
“But I do ask, please pray for Anne,” Sullivan said, breaking into tears.
Edwards was initially appointed to the council to fill out the remainder of the term left vacant by Travis Billingsley in 2015, then won the seat back in subsequent elections.
She was last reelected in 2021 and the term expires in 2025.
“Anne served well,” said Councilman Bennett Deane. “She was a good council member and she served this community in many ways and was so active for so long. It’s sad to see someone transition … I appreciate all of her service.”
Prior to joining the council, Edwards worked for Pee Dee Electric and served on the city’s Planning Board.
“She was always very active in the community,” said City Manager Monty Crump. “She had a perspective from about everywhere you could because she knew everybody, everybody knew Anne…she was a good conduit for what was going on in the community and she certainly was a advocate for what she heard in the community on the city council and moving the city forward, and we’re very thankful for that.”
Hutchinson added that Edwards was able to bring together her love for both people and the city during her time on the council.
“Anne was very dedicated to the city of Rockingham and to the citizens, and we will miss her service …and we’ll continue to keep her in our prayers,” Hutchinson said.
Anyone living within the city limits interested filling out the remainder of the term is encouraged to send a letter or email to Crump at City Hall by close of business on Oct. 1.
The council will make a decision from the applicants, which may or may not be made at the October meeting.
