Edith "Ann" Stonecipher

Ann was born on September 26, 1944 in Little Rock, Arkansas, to the late George & Jean Johnson. She graduated from Immaculate Conception High School in 1962 and married her husband of 61 years, John Allen Stonecipher, in 1963. Together, they had five children: John (Deanna) Stonecipher, Christy (Lawrence) Bonds, David (deceased) Stonecipher, William (Amy) Stonecipher, and Dee Stonecipher Brazelton.

Edith was one of the first parishioners of St. James Church and school in 1956. She had a deep love for Jesus, a rich faith practice, and a belief that “heaven is larger than any of us can imagine.” She had a servant’s heart, as a volunteer for many years with Madonna Learning Center and The Red Cross, but also in how she navigated the world. Ann “adopted” many people and families into her home and heart, mothering them in ways that created a ripple throughout our world. Her family holds tightly to that legacy.

To say that Ann cherished her large family would be an understatement. Whenever she was told how much she was loved, her self-assured response was always, simply, “I love you more.” She especially looked forward to the annual Lauderdale Family Reunion in Metropolis, Illinois. She and John enjoyed reminiscing over their days square dancing, going on adventurous camping trips, traveling to Italy, and the years spent as a growing family on Russwood Avenue. She adored her husband, their early romance, the man he evolved into, and the ways that he supported her. She fondly remembered the times they spent together playing games on Russwood, using the CB radio, and making memories in retirement. When asked, Ann was most proud of her children and the ”good people” they grew up to be. She kept their pictures on her fridge.

While collecting photographs of Ann, the family was hard-pressed to find one without her sitting amidst a gaggle of children. She adored all children, but especially her “baby’s babies and their babies.” Every time a new baby was born, she would declare that they were "the icing on the cake" of a rich life. Her grandchildren were her "sunshine;" although, the truth is, Ann enjoyed rainy skies as much as the cloudy ones. Her deep appreciation for nature filled her days with wonder–for all of her 80 years.

Her family will miss her reflective conversations, her sharp wit–and her sharp tongue. They will miss her probing queries and her free back rubs. She was a tenacious matriarch and a gentle soul–and we wouldn’t have her any other way. Edith Ann Stonecipher was known by many names: Little Dove, Sister, Kid, Edith Annie, Mom, Mama, Grandma, Nana, Nana Ann, Gerdi, NanaBanana, Nannypie, and more–all of which mean beloved. Forever and always.

Mrs. Stonecipher was preceded in death by her brother and sister-in-law Donald F. (Betty) Johnson.

Along with her husband and children, Ann is survived by 18 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren with one more on the way; and her brother Victor G. Johnson

Family and friends will gather on Monday, December 2 from 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm at Memphis Funeral Home, 3700 N. Germantown Parkway, Bartlett, Tennessee 38133. Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, December 3 beginning at 10:00 am at St. James Catholic Church, 4180 Leroy Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee 38108.

The family requests any financial gifts in Ann's honor be sent to Madonna Learning Center at www.madonna-learning.org.

Online condolences, floral tributes and directions may be found through www.memphisfuneralhome.net.