Ann H Cissell

Ann H. Cissell, age 72, passed away on October 4, 2025, in Bartlett, Tennessee. She was born in Memphis, Tennessee, to the late Frank and Doris Houck.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Memphis Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens, 3700 North Germantown Parkway, Bartlett, TN 38133. A second visitation will be held on Thursday, October 16, 2025, from 10:00 AM until the time of the service at 11:00 AM at Church of the Nativity, 5955 St. Elmo Road, Bartlett, TN 38135.

Committal services will follow at Memory Hill Gardens from 12:00 PM to 12:30 PM. A luncheon will be held at the Church of the Nativity immediately following the graveside service.

A loving wife, devoted mother, grandmother, and teacher, Ann led a life filled with compassion, creativity, and service to others. She graduated from Holly Springs High School, and soon after met her future husband, Jim Cissell, at the Naval Hospital in Millington, TN. They were married in 1973 and shared 52 wonderful years together.

Ann and Jim both earned their amateur radio licenses in 1975—her call sign was WB4FAA—marking the beginning of many shared interests and adventures. In 1977, they welcomed their son Benjamin, followed by their daughter Julia in 1980.

Ann then obtained her Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from Memphis State University in 1987. A gifted musician and educator, Ann taught piano lessons for over 30 years, nurturing the talents of hundreds of students throughout her career. She also served as the first music director for the Church of the Nativity in Bartlett, where she shared her faith and passion for music with the community.

Ann had many hobbies and talents. She enjoyed sewing, crocheting, and upholstering, and loved time spent on the water, especially piloting the family boat during lake trips.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Doris Houck; her sister, Paulette Houck; and her brothers David, Bobby, and Danny Houck.

Ann is survived by her beloved husband, Jim Cissell; her son, Benjamin Cissell; her daughter, Julia Cissell; her grandchildren, David and Matthew Eckert, Zack Willis, Gideon and Augustus Cissell; her brothers Frank Houck Jr. and Joe Houck; and her sister, Susan Scott.

Ann will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.