Anice Hutcheson

Anice Hutcheson, affectionately known as "Ann," passed away on Thursday, December 21st, 2023, leaving behind a legacy of warmth and resilience. Born on September 3, 1932, she grew up during the Great Depression, where she embraced the values that "what you take care of will last longer" and "what you give freely will come back to you."

In 1953, she embarked on a lifelong journey with John Hutcheson, a courtship that began during the Korean War, sparked by the thoughtful matchmaking of James Crabb. Their love endured through letters and shared experiences, culminating in a joyous wedding on January 20, 1953.

Ann's roots extended from walking across river bottoms in McNairy and Alcorn counties to visit family and attend church to settling in various places such as McKenzie, McNairy, and Memphis. She and her husband were the first house in Chewalla, TN to bring indoor plumbing to the neighborhood.

Surviving the hardships of the Depression, Ann learned to make things work, fashioning dresses from flour sacks—a testament to her resourcefulness. Over the years, she amassed a great collection of things she thought might be useful to someone someday.

In her journey through life, Anice Hutcheson demonstrated an unwavering commitment to nurturing and preserving what she held dear. An avid gardener, she lovingly tended to a remarkable collection of over 20 Amarillo bulbs, each boasting a rich history spanning more than 40 years. With a tender touch and dedicated care, she ensured that these bulbs bloomed into vibrant displays each spring. Across her life, the good she sowed in others came back to her, as at one time she was gifted the seed to “Mary Beans”, which she named after Mary Rodgers who shared the green bean seeds Ann’s mother had grown and shared with Mary.

A skilled utility hand in various sewing factories, Ann later retired to devote herself to family, becoming a pillar of support for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In her kitchen, she crafted culinary delights, from sauerkraut to porcupine meatballs and sugar cookies, leaving a flavor of love that will be remembered by all who had the pleasure of enjoying her meals.

Anice Hutcheson's life was a tapestry woven with love, resilience, and generosity. Her memory will live on through the seeds she planted, the bulbs she shared, and the countless lives she touched.

Ann was preceded in death by her parents, Ed and Nettie Wooten; her sister, Mavis; her brother, Cecil; her son, Donnie; and her grandson Brian.

She is survived by her husband, John; her daughter, Lisa Hivley (Keith); her sister, Avis Reed; grandsons, Rodney Jones (Christy) and Randy Jones (Bridget);her great-grandsons, Peyton Jones, Tyler Jones, Easton Jones, and Christopher Hutcheson; and her special fur-baby, Buddy.