Annie Artie Dees

Annie "Ann" Artie (Jennings) Dees, 97, was born on Sept. 21, 1927, to Rev. Elijah and Viola Jennings in Marthaville, Louisiana. Ann passed away on Thursday, July 31, 2025 at home surrounded by her family and devoted caregivers.

Ann grew up in Marthaville, La, a small rural community. After she graduated from high school, she moved to Natchitoches, La. and was employed by Morgan Lindsey Co. It was there that she met the love of her life, a handsome WWII sailor from Texas who had just returned home and was working for an Offshore company based in the area. They were married on Feb. 3, 1949, and transferred to Baytown where he was employed by Humble Oil Refinery. They spent the next 67 years together building a wonderful life in Baytown, raising their son and daughter and becoming grandparents.

Ann's faith in God and unconditional love for her family and friends always shined through her outgoing personality. If the church doors were open, she would be there. Through the years, she served in various ministries at Baytown Congregational Methodist Church: Church Secretary, Adult Sunday School Teacher, VBS director, Women's Missionary Society president, organizing youth activities and director of many Christmas Pageants and Fall Festivals.

After her children were in high school, Ann sought employment with Sears and Robuck. She served the next 30 years helping customers resolve problems in the customer service department. She really loved her job and developed many lifelong friendships with coworkers.

Ann pursued many interests throughout her life but especially enjoyed spending time with her grandson, Patrick. She believed "to be in your grandchildren's memories tomorrow, be in their lives today." She looked forward to his weekly visits and treasured their special bond. Some of her other interests were weekend trips to the farm; road trips with her brother and sister-in-law, Oscar and Mary; hosting the weekly neighborhood Coffee Club Hour which occurred twice daily on her front porch; Weekend Dinner Club with neighbors; gardening; painting outdoors; helping organize the annual Jennings Family Fish Fry; supporting husband raising cattle on their place in Louisiana; and caring for her parents in the latter stages of life. Most importantly, covering her children, grandson, and loved ones in prayer EVERY night.

Ann leaves a legacy of faith and unwavering love for Jesus. Her presence in our lives brought immeasurable joy, warmth, and laughter, and for that, we are forever grateful. We will miss her presence and sweet greetings like "Hello Shug", " Hello my Precious _ _" (grandson, daughter, niece, nurse, etc.) and endearing nicknames for family members. In our sorrow, we find comfort knowing we will see her again.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Coy Dees and son, Coy Lynn Dees of Baytown; her parents, Elijah Ross Jennings and Viola (Stockton) Jennings of Marthaville, La.; her six brothers, Cleattus, Austin, William Foster, Ray Charles, Nathan Vilton Jennings of Marthaville, La., and Oscar Kerry Jennings of Shreveport, La.

She is survived by her daughter Patricia Ann Coody and husband Wayne of Houston, TX; grandson, Patrick Ross Dees of Houston, TX; sister, Eurith Jennings McDaniel of Baytown, TX; sister-in-laws, Marie Bryant Jennings of Marthaville, La., and Mary Jean Matthews Jennings of Shreveport; and a host of nieces and nephews who loved her dearly.

A funeral service to celebrate her life will be held on Saturday, August 9, 2025 at Navarre Funeral Home, located at 2444 Rollingbrook Dr., Baytown, TX 77521 beginning with visitation at 10:00 am to 11:00 am and service following at 11:00 am with Rev. Brian Jennings, her nephew officiating. The committal will take place at Cedarcrest Cemetery, 3010 Ferry Rd.,

Baytown, TX, 77520, at 12:30 pm.