M. Anne Sullivan

How do you explain the loss of a woman who was the epitome of compassion, grace and generosity? Anne was the matriarch of the Sullivan family and “Nannie” to children, grandchildren and great grandchildren as well as young and old who were friends but not relations. She was an artisan at heart with a knack for painting, flower arranging and jewelry making. She instantly made any room she entered a happier place to be. She was married 46 years to the love of her life and the day she was reunited with Bill Sullivan was surely one of her happiest. She was a faithful member of Kenwood Church of Christ and a committed volunteer at Beechland Baptist Church. She was a proud alumna of Butler High School, class of 1958.

But – she was more than that. She loved to read and collected Harry Potter memorabilia. She loved to listen to the Outlander books on audiotape and she loved to listen to Hauser play the cello on YouTube. She traveled the world, rode a zip line, swam with dolphins, and tried indoor parachuting, all after she turned 70. She collected things. And more things. And actually more things. She could find treasures at yard sales when the average person found none. She turned ordinary items into masterpieces – people included. She was patient and kind. She didn’t envy or boast. She wasn’t rude or self- seeking. She was not easily angered and didn’t hold grudges. She rejoiced in the truth. She always protected, always trusted, always hoped and always persevered. She was a walking example of love in its truest form.

She was an involved mother and grandmother. If there was a school or sporting event, she was there. She was quick to share her most valuable asset, her time. She watched her grandchildren grow up to be honest, caring and productive adults with families of their own. When she was blessed with great grandchildren, she relished the times she spent with them and was the first one to make a fort out of blankets or sneak ice cream when no one was watching. A trip to Nannie’s house was always an adventure.

She had so many friendships that she enjoyed from fellow classmates that she kept in contact with over the years, to friends from church and family friends, to wonderful neighbors and a special friend and partner in crime that she met in her later years, Imo Perry. She was a person you could count on. A person who always saw the best in people. And a mom who kept all your drawings from grade school and term papers from high school. She was the repository of family photos and stories and a saint who lived through season after season of softball with nary a complaint. She was proud of her family and it showed.

She is survived by her children, Tracy Prewitt (Lorne), Jeff Sullivan (Karen) and Eric Sullivan (Marsha); her grandchildren, Tory (Matt), Gabe (Kate), Andy, Courtney, Josh, Tyler, Ashley (Josh) and Matt (Megan) and her niece and nephew who were like grandchildren to her, Kylie (Jacob) and Parker; her great grandchildren James, Abby and Briley, her brother Don Meador (Virginia) and her brother and sister-in-law Phil and Barbara Smith.

She will be fondly remembered by a host of extended family, neighbors and friends as well as craftsmen around the world.

A funeral service will be held at 6:30 pm on Tuesday evening, May 25, 2021 at Heady-Hardy Funeral Home, 7710 Dixie Highway with a private graveside service on Wednesday on at 12 pm at Resthaven Memorial Park. Visitation will be from noon to 6:30 pm on Tuesday.