Anna Rousso Utsey

Anna Rousso Utsey, 104, passed away Wednesday, October 19, 2022 at her home on James Island. She was born July 20, 1918, the daughter of Greek immigrants John Michael and Eleni Yeitrakis Rousso. The Rousso’s were the first marriage to be performed in the Greek Orthodox Church of Charleston in 1914. They operated John Rousso’s Groceries at the corner of Rutledge and Race for decades where Anna and her siblings were raised. 
 
Anna was a long-time member of the Greek Orthodox Church and worked for many years at Roper Hospital in nutrition services. She was very active in her children’s school activities as a PTA mom and in her community as a volunteer. 

Anna is survived by her sisters: Annette "Nene" Huguley (John) and Stephanie "Niffie" King (Ed); and her son and daughter of heart, Bill and Janet Utsey and their daughters Brenna Farahvashi (Fare) and Mary Esther Ferry (Matt). She also is survived by four biological grandchildren: Leslie "Buffy" Bales, Christie Friend, Anastasia "Staci” Shaffer (Bryan), and Elizabeth "Lizzie" Gross; six great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; as well as the three additional Utsey siblings: Bobby (Linda), Linda Hoose (Fred) and Tommy (Janet). As a testament to the Greek Rousso heritage, it is worthy to mention the numerous nieces and nephews Anna has living throughout America and Canada.

The second of nine siblings, Anna was predeceased by her brother, Costa (Eulalie); sisters: Koula "Carrie" Sneed (Robert), Mary Webb (Carroll), Margaret "Maggie" Shafer (Dick), Ethel "Lackie" Courtney (James) and Stella Rousso, her first husband, James U. Friend; son, James U. Friend, Jr.; daughter Ellen Friend-Gross; grandson, James U. Friend III; and second husband, William H. Utsey, Sr. 

The family would like to thank her longtime caregiver Beverly Buncumb, her loyal caregiving neighbors Colleen Castiglione and Judy Astle and the wonderful, professional services of Roper-St. Francis Hospice.  

The family will receive friends Monday, October 24, 2022 in the J. Henry Stuhr, Inc. Downtown Chapel from 9:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. followed by her funeral service in the Greek Orthodox Church of the Holy Trinity, 30 Race Street at 11:30 a.m.  Interment, Bethany Cemetery. 

Memorials may be made to the Greek Orthodox Church of the Holy Trinity Building Fund, 30 Race Street, Charleston 29403.