“She’s one of them, I recall, an old warrior. And there ain’t too many around. I respect my elder, and I appreciate them very much.” Ollie McCaskill, a dear friend and lending neighbor of 11 years, portrays the kindhearted, genuine, and sincere soul that is known around the North Nashville block today as “Miss Anne.” A devoted woman of religion, passing it forward, connection and community, Miss Anne has not missed a beat since her move to the neighborhood 40 years ago.

The bond that was formed between Miss Anne and her two sons, Darryl and Marcus, was enough to spark a desire in a more tight-knit, unique family. Miss Anne adopted four girls, Agnes, Mary Jordan, Evelyn and Latrelle, all of whom she met at the same Church. Because after all, family, faith, and close relationships play a part in who she is today – a special kind of individual who dedicates her time to helping others in need. Miss Anne’s aligned path with Project Connect Nashville was no coincidence, and she has made tremendous efforts to help the organization out, one caring step at a time!

Disaster and tragedy hit when the Tornado made its way to the North neighborhood in February. Residents found themselves among piles of debris, damaged roofs, shattered windows, and broken hearts. “One thing I can say about them is they were always willing and wanted to see what you needed and supply your need.” Miss Anne’s first experience with PCN was memorable to say the least. She was in disbelief by the number of volunteers who arrived from different cities to help clean up, and how dedicated everyone was to ensure the aftermath of the Tornado was as pain free as possible for all of those affected. The undertaking of the unexpected challenges that arose in front of her eyes was inspiring, and ignited Miss Anne’s natural yearning to participate with PCN and contribute to their mission. 

“It would be nice if there were some more people like Miss Anne.” – “Ollie” 

Miss Anne has earned her respected reputation on the streets as a gentle, giving soul, and for good reason. She stands by her theory, “Something is better than nothing,” and is constantly checking in on friends, family, neighbors and strangers to see what they need. Eager to supply and being a woman on the move, Miss Anne will hop in her car to deliver lunches that aren’t used. “There is somebody that needs food, and they’re too shamed to come and get it.”

Following the tornado, the New Year took another unexpected turn. The trauma of the natural disaster had finally settled in, and we were now being faced with the shocking news of Covid 19. Despite the isolation that we felt, the significant amount of time on our hands provided a chance to reconnect with loved ones, and tune in with ourselves and with God. Miss Anne and Ollie were finding new ways to worship and pray, through tech platforms like Facebook and Zoom. “We could always see religious service from other Churches on TV… that’s what kept us going.” Early morning rituals, like meditation and having coffee on the porch with her daughters was another saving grace during the quarantine. “We wore those porches out,” laughs Miss Anne. “The hardest part, I think of all, was being patient.”

Patience has been key and instrumental in preventing our heads from spinning during all of this suddenness. We were abruptly stopped in our tracks from doing every day activities. Like many of us, Miss Anne found comfort in her busy schedule, whether it was Bible Study, going to Church, fixing lunches, etc. Thanks to the aid of PCN, Miss Anne was able to see the light at the end of the tunnel after the Tornado, and most importantly, keep her energy sustained in helping people, because that is just in her nature. Her experience with PCN has been hopeful, and she believes in inspiring and encouraging others who are considering getting involved. “I would tell them to go ahead and join em! That it’s a good organization because they are helping people…you cross the street to see how the others live.” 88 years around the sun, Miss Anne continues to leave her mark and shine her bright, positive light around the North Nashville neighborhood. “If I could help somebody, then my livings not in vain.”