A native of Tallahassee, Ann grew up in the Capital City when it was a small town. She enjoyed all the hospitality that came with small town living, when families created their own fun, and classmates from school and church grew up together and became lifelong friends. She graduated from Leon High School and entered the workforce while also taking classes at Florida State University. Along the way, she met and married her sweetheart, Dan Wagner, on his return from service during the Korean Conflict. And thus began a 62-year partnership based on deep love and abiding friendship.
They soon started a family and as the family grew from one child to three, Ann decided that her time would best be spent on the home front caring for and shepherding her children through school, scouts, sports, music lessons, vacation Bible school, and all the many activities mothers take on in getting their children to adulthood. She made her children her top priority and was proud to see them all grow up to have successful careers in their chosen fields. For this her children are most grateful.
Ann began a new chapter in her life on Dan’s retirement in 1992. Together they enjoyed reconnecting with old friends and making new ones. They filled their days with trips, and visits, and adventures, starting each morning with Bible study and birdwatching, followed by reading the newspaper with a really good cup of coffee. She was never happier than when on a trip with Dan to visit old friends, or when meticulously attired for weekly worship at Mission by the Sea, followed by lunch and fellowship with the congregation.
Ann prided herself on her independence, and on Dan’s passing in 2013 she continued to live in their tri-level house and drive herself wherever she wanted to go. She maintained her schedule of lunching with the girls, taking in the latest movies, savoring seafood dinners and her favorite wine with friends, talking politics and current affairs with her kids, and rocking and watching the waves at Alligator Point.
Ann is survived by her three children: Diane Carr (Ken), Daniel Wagner, Jr. (Tamela), and Darby Wagner-Boyett (Donald), her sister-in-law Maurine Wagner, and nieces and nephews to whom she remained close. She was also supported in her efforts to continue independent living by other close family and friends: Kathy Broome, Park Broome, Lawrence and Lila Roberts, Doris Jean Ferrell and Family, and Bianca Brinkley.
Ann’s children are ever thankful to them for their unwavering support for their mother. She will be lovingly remembered and missed by all.
The family will hold a private graveside service. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Mission by the Sea, 772 Alligator Drive, Alligator Point, FL 32346, (850) 363-6469.
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