Ann Kendrick

Julia Ann Thompson Kendrick, lovingly known as Ann, passed away peacefully on March 15, 2025, in Atlanta, Georgia, in the presence of her children. Born in 1948 in Senoia, Georgia, Ann grew up in Talbotton, Georgia, where she was a proud member of the Talbot County High School ladies' basketball team.

She pursued her passion for healthcare by attending X-ray school in Columbus, Georgia, launching a distinguished career in radiology. Ann dedicated her professional life to advancing medical imaging, ultimately serving as the computed tomography (CT) Supervisor at Columbus Medical Center for several years. Following her retirement, she continued to support the field as a medical transcriptionist for several hospitals in Atlanta. Her contributions to radiology were significant, including her role on the steering committee that first introduced 3D CT technology to Columbus.

Beyond her career, Ann was an avid gardener, sharing her love for horticulture as a member of the Columbus Garden Club and later as part of the Hot Springs Arkansas Iris Society, Arkansas Chapter of the Azalea Society of America, Garvin Gardens, and the Garland County Master Gardeners Society. She was also a tireless advocate for accessibility, working closely with the City of Hot Springs and state officials to expand and enforce handicap-accessible (ADA) parking. Her dedication was recognized when the City of Hot Springs honored her by declaring July 26, 2023, as Ann Kendrick Day.

Ann was also a gifted self-taught artist and crafter. Throughout her life, she explored and mastered numerous artistic mediums, beginning with needlepoint and watercolors. In the late 1990s, she pioneered a unique technique for crafting paper flowers, demonstrating her creativity and innovation. Over the years, she expanded her artistic repertoire to include jewelry making and wind chime design. Most recently, she combined her passion for gardening and craftsmanship by upcycling discarded glass plates and bowls into stunning outdoor solar garden flowers. Each piece was hand-painted, kiln-fired, and carefully soldered to reclaimed rebar, reflecting her deep appreciation for nature and sustainability. Her artistic spirit and ingenuity brought beauty to all who knew her.

Ann’s generosity extended to her love of animals, especially her beloved dog, Becket, and her parrot, Beanie. She was a devoted friend, always eager to lend a hand or research a solution for those in need. No matter where she lived—Georgia, Florida, or Arkansas—Ann remained an active and engaged member of her community.

She is survived by her children, Jennifer "JB" Kendrick (partner Michael Weston) of Atlanta, Georgia, and T. Knox Kendrick III (wife Jen S. Kendrick) of Hot Springs, Arkansas, both of whom she spoke of with immense pride. Ann never missed an opportunity to share how deeply she admired their accomplishments, resilience, and the lives they built. She was their biggest champion, celebrating their successes and offering unwavering support. She is also survived by her grandsons, Tyler Kendrick and TK Kendrick IV, both of Arkansas, and her two great-grandchildren.

Ann was preceded in death by her parents, Ira Denton Thompson and Olive Eldora Thompson, as well as her siblings, Robert Thompson, Betty Barraza, Ruth Kee, and Sue Flynn. She is survived by her sister, Nancy McLain of Moreland, Georgia, and several nieces and nephews.

Ann Kendrick’s legacy is one of compassion, determination, and unwavering dedication to improving the lives of those around her. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and the many communities she touched.

A celebration of life will be held in both Hot Springs, Arkansas, and Atlanta, Georgia, where friends and family can gather with JB and Knox to honor Ann’s memory and share stories of her remarkable life. In the coming months, a memorial service will be scheduled to inter her ashes in the Neptune Living Reef off the coast of Florida, a fitting tribute to her adventurous spirit and love for nature.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests consideration for a donation in Ann’s honor to Ruffled Feathers® Parrot Rescue and Sanctuary Inc., Angels Among Us Pet Rescue in Alpharetta, GA, or a local garden club to continue the conservation of native plants.