Anna Sophia Tesh

Anna Sophia Tesh (Born Alan Jonathan Tesh) of Forest, Va. died Tuesday, November 21, 2017. She was preceded in death by her paternal grandmother Dorothy Tesh of Harrisonburg, Va. and her aunt Erica Prestrude of Forest.

Born March 29, 1992, she was a child of Mark and Cassandra Tesh of Forest, Va.

Anna was a sweet, kind, smart, and talented young person that was loved by those who knew her. She was proud to finish her degree in biology from Virginia Tech, passed certification as a Pharmacy Technician, and planned to pursue a career in Pharmacy.

She grew up surrounded by friends and cousins, romping through the woods. Teachers and church family remember a bright and clever child, and she grew into a fine adult.  She had a passion for online games and movies and was well loved by the online communities that she spent time with.

She was interested in a broad variety of subjects. As a child she lived in Sweden, and studied Swedish, Latin, German, and Arabic.  She read widely, practiced calligraphy, block printing and bookbinding, studied piano and pipe organ, and was a skilled skier and photographer.  Her cooking skills were cherished by all, and she loved to explore for new ingredients with her mother.  She was never hesitant to try an interesting recipe, especially if it was sweet or spicy, and specialized in curry and jerk chicken dishes.  Her surprise made-from-scratch chocolate eclairs were truly fabulous.

Anna was also quiet and gentle and loved caring for animals. She believed strongly in fairness and equality for all.  She was fortunate to have met her partner Alex Bloy, and they were adorable and happy together.

In addition to her parents, Anna is survived by her brother, Peter Tesh and his partner, Avery Bailey of Lynchburg, Va.; Grandparents, Albert and Beulah Prestrude of Forest, Va., and John W. Tesh of Harrisonburg, Va.; her aunt, Dede (Michael) of Lynchburg, Va.; her uncle Vernon (Vickey) Tesh of College Station, Tx.; and her cousins, Victoria Bartholomew, Dylan Hague, Andrew Tesh, and Kirsten Svach.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Lynchburg Humane Society or the Lynchburg Diversity Center.

God has a special place for such a kind and sweet soul. We will look for her in the colors of a rainbow, in the quiet stillness of trees and stars, and in the music she loved.  We will keep her in our hearts until we can be with her again. A celebration of Anna’s life will be held at 5 p.m. today, Sunday, November 26, 2017, at Tharp Funeral Home, Lynchburg with Rev. Dr. Richard A. Daily officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family.