Ann Ghianni

Ann was born on August 7, 1954, in Kinston, North Carolina, to Horace and Barbara Davenport. She graduated from Garinger High School and went on to earn her bachelor’s degree from Atlantic Christian College, preparing her for a lifelong career dedicated to helping others. Over the course of 40 years, Ann worked in social work and was an investigator for the state, where her compassion and strength left a lasting impact on countless lives.

On November 30, 1985, Ann married the love of her life, Eric Ghianni, in Nashville, where they built a beautiful life together centered around family and community. After Eric’s passing, she found comfort and support by reconnecting with South End United Methodist Church, which became an important source of connection and community for her in the time that followed.

Ann had a deep passion for music, which brought her joy throughout her life.

Above all, Ann was devoted to her family. She found her greatest happiness in being a mother and a grandmother. Her love for her daughters was unwavering, and her bond with her grandsons, Tony and Leo, was a source of immense pride and joy. She treasured every moment spent with them and embraced her role as "Nonna" with open arms and a full heart.

She will be remembered for her warmth, her boundless love for her family—especially her grandchildren—and her enduring resilience. She cherished time with her daughters and took immense joy in being a Nonna.

She is survived by her daughters, Maria Ghianni-Wilkinson (Michael) and Ana Greer (Josh); her beloved grandchildren, Tony and Leo Greer, with a third, Annalynn, on the way, and her dog Lily; her siblings, Neal Davenport (Cheri), Matt Davenport (Victoria), Ginger DeFilippo (Vinny) and Tim Ghianni (Suzanne); and many cherished nieces and nephews.

Ann was preceded in death by her husband, Eric Ghianni, and her parents, Horace and Barbara Davenport.

She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her.

Memorial Services are to be held this Saturday, September 27th at South End United Methodist Church, 5042 Edmonson Pike, Nashville, TN 37211. Visitation will be held from 3:00PM til 4:30 PM with the Memorial service starting at 4:30PM. Following the Memorial Service will be a Potluck Gathering from 5:30PM until 7:30PM at the church fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to an animal rescue of your choice in her honor. She was particularly fond of Nashville Humane Association, having adopted many pets from there.