Elizabeth "Beth" Phillips Gann

June 16, 1930 – May 15, 2026

Elizabeth “Beth” Phillips Gann, 95, of Huntsville, Alabama, passed away on May 15, 2026.

Born in Bear Creek, Alabama, Mrs. Gann was a graduate of Hamilton High School and the University of Alabama, where she developed both her love for learning and a lifelong loyalty to the Crimson Tide.

Mrs. Gann was a pioneer in her field, serving as the first Director of the Child Nutrition Program for Huntsville City Schools. Over a 37-year career, she worked to expand and strengthen school meal programs, opening more than 40 lunchrooms and helping ensure that generations of students had access to nutritious meals. Her work extended beyond the local level, as she served as president of the Alabama School Food Service Association and advocated for national efforts in child nutrition.

Her commitment to service continued beyond her professional life. A longtime member of Mayfair Church of Christ, she remained active in her faith community throughout her years in Huntsville. Following her retirement, she dedicated her time to Christian Job Corps and the Huntsville Hospital Auxiliary, where she served as president of both organizations and was honored as the Huntsville Hospital Volunteer of the Year for her leadership and service. She was also a dedicated member of Alpha Delta Kappa, sharing her devotion to community and education.

In her later years, Mrs. Gann made her home in Birmingham, where she lived for the past nine years. While at Morningside of Vestavia, she was an active member of the residents’ association, an ambassador, and served as librarian. She continued her involvement in church life at Vestavia Hills Church of Christ.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, John Echols Gann; her parents; and her siblings.

She is survived by her daughters, Susan Gann Cole and her husband Rodney, and Christi Gann Trucks and her husband Wayne, both of Birmingham; her grandsons, Gann Trucks of Birmingham and Jack Carvalho III and his wife Allyson of Washington, D.C.; her niece, Cindy Patterson O’Shields; her nephew, Alan Patterson and his wife Sharon; and several great and great-great nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Gann will be remembered for her steady leadership, her dedication to children and families, and her commitment to serving others in both her career and community.

The family wishes to thank the staff of South Haven Health and Rehabilitation and Gentiva Hospice for their excellent care of Mrs. Gann.

A graveside service will be held at Huntsville Memory Gardens at 1:00 pm on Friday, May 29th.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the John Echols Gann Endowed College of Business and Administration Scholarship at The University of Alabama, Office of University Advancement, P.O. Box 870122, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487.