I have often heard that when God closes a door, He opens a window and, for Ann Elizabeth Crenshaw, that is exactly what happened on Monday afternoon, May 4, 2026, at 5:00 pm. Ann passed away knowing in her heart that heaven was her next stop and, as her daughter Kristi said, "She is where she wants to be." Ann lived a life of service and love for those around her and served in numerous capacities for her church and community. She was a member of Chickasaw Baptist Church for over sixty years where she influenced the lives of hundreds of children as a Sunday school teacher, mentor and friend. Ann spent many hours of practice for the choir and special programs as well as serving on numerous committees or wherever she was needed. She was born in Grady, Alabama to James Gaston Chancey and Elizabeth Prescott Chancey, spending most of her childhood in Orange, Texas. Her family returned to Alabama when Ann was in the seventh grade and she graduated from Vigor High School in 1962. She worked for many years in various jobs but ultimately worked more than 30 years as an Administrative Assistant at Courtaulds Fibers, a job that she loved and in which she took great pride. Ann was preceded in death by her parents, James and Betty Chancey, and her brother, James Gaston Chancey, Jr. She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Henry; her daughter Kristi Howze (Rick) ; grandson Patrick; and granddaughter Mary Elizabeth Tonini (Caleb). In lieu of flowers and if you wish to remember Ann in some way, the family suggests a gift in Ann's name be given to the Mission of Hope, 14970 Mission Road, Mobile, AL 36608, or to a charity of your choice.
January 18, 1944 — May 4, 2026
Services are scheduled for Monday, May 11, 2026 at Mobile Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, 6040 Three Notch Road, Mobile, Alabama. Visitation will begin at 9:00 with the service following at 10:00 in the chapel of the funeral home.
