Ms. Widener, a life long resident of Mobile, is survived by her three sons: Buddy Widener (wife Theresa); Joe Widener of Houston Texas; and Bill Widener of Henderson Nevada; three grandchildren, Ian, Alexis, and Abigail Widener; her companion Richard Sutton of Mobile; and her two sisters, Tania M. Bankston (husband Leon) of Gulfport, Mississippi, and Margaret (Peggy) Carothers (husband, John) of St. Louis, Missouri; her aunt Elizabeth Phillips of Mt. Vernon, Illinois, and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
Ms. Widener attended Murphy High School and later sought professional training in cosmetology, which led to her position as hair stylist. She also worked as a Florist in a local Mobile shop.
Her many interests included reading, gardening, cooking, and her pet cats. For many years, she participated in one of the renowned Ladies Mystic Societies in Mobile, as part of the Mardi Gras celebrations where she developed many close friends. But, if ever asked where her passions lie she would quickly say family, especially as NannaAnn to her beloved grandchildren, and as a deeply committed mother to the sons she valued and loved. She also extended devoted care to her elderly parents especially during her father’s latter years while suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. The abiding tenderness that “NannaAnn” extended to her family and friends stood in particular contrast to her keen sense of sardonic wit with which she could characterize the foibles and follies of people. She was tender but sharp of wit and loved to create bemusement for all who knew her.
Ms. Widener had battled multiple health threats, including her survival of breast cancer, and a debilitating kidney disease. She became a patient and resident of the Palm Garden Health and Rehabilitation Center of Mobile for an extended period during the last year of her life for treatment and therapy of chronic back pain and related complications. She will be deeply, deeply missed, but we celebrate the fact that her physical suffering, of which she endured so much during the whole of her adult life, has ended.
Dr. John Carothers will officiate at a graveside interment at the Pine Crest Cemetery in Mobile on Tuesday, October 8, 2019 at 11:00AM. Please contact Radney Funeral Home at 251-479-4547 for further information.
The Widener family directs all donations in honor of Ms. Widener to the Alabama Kidney Foundation at 1-205-900-7250. Ann would prefer live plants over flowers if you choose to send arrangements.
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