Anne Naomi Carsley was born in Jackson, Mississippi, on April 11, 1935. She received her B.A. from Millsaps College in 1957 and her M.A. from Ole Miss in 1959. She was a Disability Review Examiner for the State of Mississippi for 30 years until her retirement. She was a longtime resident of Ridgeland and spent the last four years of her life at The Home Place, The Willard F. Bone Home, in Madison, Mississippi.

Anne was preceded in death by her parents, Naomi Sweeny Carsley and Robert E. Carsley. She is survived by many friends who enjoyed her interesting personality. She is also survived by her beloved dog Jason, named after the Greek mythological hero and leader of the Argonauts in Greek literature. Anne loved animals and pets of all kinds.

Anne was an essayist and romance writer who published at least six books based on historical figures or events. For her nonfiction essays she received awards from Millsaps College, the Southern Literary Festival, the Mississippi Arts Festival and the Mississippi Commission on the Arts. She also received third prize in 1970 for a screenplay in a contest sponsored by the Mississippi Authority for Educational Television. Her books include “This Triumphant Fire” (1982), “The Winged Lion” (1981) and “The Golden Savage” (1984).

Anne enjoyed her time during her final years at The Home Place, where she was comfortable and was loved and appreciated. Memorials may be sent to The Home Place, 7521 Old Canton Road, Madison, MS 39110.

A memorial service will be held at the pavilion at Lakewood Memorial Cemetery, 6000 Clinton Blvd., Jackson, MS 39209 at 11 a.m. on Oct. 5, 2021. Natchez Trace Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.