Ann Grant Smith

Ann was born to James Inge Grant and Alice Sutton Grant on the 27th of May 1936, in Dallas, TX. The eldest of 3 children, Ann was 5 years old when the US entered World War II. She remembered saving the foil from gum wrappers to recycle for the war effort and ration coupons that allowed her family to get only so much sugar or meat or gasoline a month. She also remembered the polio epidemic of the 1950’s and life before television.

After graduating from Highland Park High School in Dallas, Ann attended Southern Methodist University in Dallas, earning her BA in English, with additional concentrations in Religion and Home Economics. She loved her time at SMU, was active in the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority and was inducted into Mortar Board, a senior women’s national honorary based on grades and service.

Ann married Stan Smith in 1957 and moved to Pensacola, FL where Stan was stationed in the Navy. They moved to Houston late in 1957, then to Independence, MO shortly thereafter. While living for a short time back in Dallas, then for 10 years in New Orleans, LA, they raised their 3 children – Brad, Betsy, and Garrett. Soon they transferred to Dayton, OH for 2 years, then to Houston, to Tulsa, OK then returned to Houston. She spoke fondly of the “adventures” of moving and of playing golf in each of those cities. Even while moving those multiple times, Ann succeeded in providing a loving, secure, and stable environment for her family and built an amazing network of friends.

In 1984 Ann became the first Director of Development for the Chinquapin Preparatory School in Highlands, TX, having been on the Board of Directors for several years beforehand. She loved the school, her job, and the lifelong friends she made at Chinquapin, and remained on its Board of Directors after her retirement.

She had a heart for philanthropy, continuing to support the Chinquapin School and Main Street Theatre in Houston. When she moved to Eagle’s Trace in 2017, she joined numerous committees, one of which was the Philanthropy Committee which raises funds for staff gifts and scholarships for the students who work at Eagle’s Trace.

Ann’s faith was foundational in her life and finding the right church for her family was top priority during each relocation. She sang in the choirs, taught Sunday school, and served on multiple outreach and administrative committees in those churches. As a lifelong learner, Ann faithfully read and studied the Bible, attending courses at Fuller Seminary during her retirement years.

Ann loved to travel – visiting Europe, Africa, and Ireland to experience the people, the wildlife, and the incredible nature our God has blessed us with. She was a voracious reader, tremendous cook, talented seamstress, lover of the arts, and an avid fan of her Houston Astros.

Ann is survived by her brother Inge Grant and wife Ann of Bullard, TX, and her brother Sut Grant of Boquete, Panama. She also leaves behind her son Brad Smith of Tomball, her daughter Betsy Nash and husband Jonathan of Houston, and her son Garrett Smith and wife Lynne of Raleigh, NC. Additionally, she was “Nana” to 8 grandchildren – Kim Dockins, Charlie Ritchey, Jake Huggins, Emily Hogan, Brittany Smith, Gavin Smith, Sarah Hurd, and Andrew Nash – and 12 great-grandchildren.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the multitude of Ann’s friends for their prayers and support.

Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from two o’clock until four o’clock in the afternoon on Sunday, the 22nd of September in the grand foyer and library of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston.

A celebration of Ann’s life is to be conducted at half past two o’clock in the afternoon on Monday, the 23rd of September in the sanctuary of Pines Presbyterian Church, 12751 Kimberly Lane in Houston.

In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial contributions may be directed to Chinquapin Preparatory School, 2615 E. Wallisville Rd, Highlands, TX 77562 or by visiting online at https://chinquapin.org/donate.

Please visit Ann’s online memorial tribute at GeoHLewis.com where memories and words of comfort and condolence may be shared electronically with her family.