Ann Dunning

Born on February 8, 1936 in Birmingham, Alabama as the beloved only child of Robert Kernachan Cross and Edith Montgomery Cross, Ann lived a full life in which she imparted joy to all who knew her.

Ann’s love for creative arts guided her life. A gifted storyteller, after college at Auburn University and Birmingham Southern College, Ann began her first career as a reporter for the Birmingham Post Herald. Focusing on community interest stories, Ann interviewed a wide-ranging cast of characters, including one of the first monkeys to go into space!

On July 9, 1960, Ann married Arthur Benjamin “Ben” Dunning. Daughters Diane and Laura soon followed and filled their home with laughter. Ten years later, son Adrian happily completed their family. Ann loved being a mother – she loved children – and as a mother she continued her passion for creative writing, composing numerous whimsical and humorous children’s stories, many with an impish bent.

After Adrian was born, Ann embarked on her second career as a preschool teacher at Pioneer Playschool. Ann enjoyed teaching at Pioneer, and all of her students (and their parents) deeply loved “Ms. Ann.” She devoted herself to the training and education of her children and the children of many others. She sought no accolades for herself.

Above all, Ann was a kind and loving person who developed deep and lasting friendships wherever she went. The many nurses and caregivers she interacted with in her final years came to think of her as family, and she adored them in return. Her family and friends will always remember her with the greatest love and affection.

Ann is survived by her children Diane L. Dunning (William R. Crow), Laura D. Elliott (Jody Fitts), Adrian B. Dunning (Laura), her grandchildren Justin R. Elliott (Taylor-Noel), Anna Elizabeth Crow, Alexander R. Crow, Anderson Dunning, Ann Shelton Dunning, and great-granddaughter Amelia Elliott.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at a later date.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ridoutsgardendalechapel.com for the Dunning family.