Ann Williams Wells Arant

Ann Robertson Williams was born in Brewton, Alabama, on July 7, 1938, to Ola Robertson Williams of Brewton and Hugh Reid Williams of Kinston. Ann attended Cloverdale Junior High and, in 1956, graduated from Lanier High School with a Latin diploma. Ann was a 1960 graduate of the University of Alabama, where she served as President of Mortar Board, the women’s academic and leadership honorary, and as Vice President and Treasurer of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority.

Ann was married to the late Colonel Frederick L. Wells (USAF, Retired) of Opelika from 1960 to 1972 and lived in several locations in the southern and western parts of the U.S., returning to Montgomery for his tours in Vietnam. In 1972, Ann moved back to Montgomery with daughter Susan. Ann’s work at Robinson Humphrey and the State of Alabama Revenue Department supported their family. From 1983 to 1992, Ann was married to the late Thomas R. “Pete” Arant, and she enjoyed their companionship and friendships made during this time. In 2008, Ann moved from Montgomery to Sandy Springs, an Atlanta suburb, to be near her daughter, son-in-law, and grandchildren.

Ann was actively engaged in her community wherever she lived. She played piano for the Oxford Sunday School Class of FUMC, Montgomery, and for a Methodist congregation in Titus. Ann served as Treasurer for the Montgomery Alumnae of Kappa Kappa Gamma for several years and volunteered in various roles for her retirement community in Sandy Springs. Ann enjoyed playing bridge, keeping in touch with friends and family, and Crimson Tide football. She cherished her relationships, including from Air Force days and the Lanier Class of 1956 and with Robertson and Williams aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Ann is survived by her daughter Susan Wells Drechsel (Dan) of Marietta, Georgia, and grandchildren Andrew James Drechsel of Marietta and Sloan Robertson Drechsel of Atlanta. She is also survived by her sister Susan Williams Reeves (Lee) of Birmingham, brother Hugh Reid Williams, Jr. (Elizabeth) of Enterprise, and many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins. Ann is predeceased by her parents and infant daughter Angela Catherine Wells.

A memorial service for Ann will be held on Sunday, February 26 at 2 p.m. in the Sanctuary of the First United Methodist Church of Montgomery, with visitation to follow in the Reception Room. Memorial gifts may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Montgomery, 2416 West Cloverdale Park, Montgomery, Alabama 36106, or to the donor’s preferred charity.