Annie Bell Haugabook

Mrs. Ann Haugabook peacefully passed away on February 12th, 2025 at the age of 76 and is in eternal rest. Ann was born in Elmore County, Alabama on January 11, 1949, to parents Henrietta and Jake Gardner and was one of 12 children. Ann attended Carver Lee High School in Montgomery Alabama and graduated in 1967. Her dream job was to become a key punch operator for IBM. It was during this time she met her first husband, Gaston Lee Toney. This union brought two children, Patrick Earl Toney and Patrice Yvette Toney. Ann moved to San Diego, then to Webb Air Force Base in Big Springs Texas, and eventually settled in Japan. She was stationed at Yokota Air Force Base for about five years, before relocating to MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida. She would then embark on the next chapter in her life and marry her second husband and life partner Earl Stanley Haugabook.

Ann started her career in 1976 at AAFES where she worked as a loyal, professional administrative employee for 33 years. Ann valued education, earning her college degree from St Leo University while pursuing her career at AAFES, raising her family, and being a devoted community member. She retired in 2008 earning the title of Human Resources Manager. In 1978, Ann was crowned the winner of the Miss Black History Pageant at MacDill Air Force, a highlight in her life. Ann was also a dedicated member and long-standing Deaconess of First Baptist Church of West Tampa. Community outreach was important and implemented throughout her upbringing. She served as a member of the Charmettes and was D.T. Desert Treasurer HPIC Malta Court #99 (Desert of Florida, Oasis of Orlando). They focused on being mentors, hosting community events, and developing youth to gain qualities such as leadership, strong values, and social consciousness.

Ann was a doting, loving grandmother, and an unwavering supportive Mom to her children. She was affectionately known as “Nana” to her grandchildren. She wanted her children and grandchildren to have opportunities that were limited to her and to flourish and excel in higher education. Ann cherished and reflected on her love for her Mom and Dad, children, grandchildren, brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews. Her lifetime friends, many from elementary, high school, and beyond, including her neighborhood community family, will always be near and dear to her heart. Her loved ones brought her immense joy and happiness.

Some of Ann’s beloved leisure pastimes were shopping, fashion, watching movies, comedy sitcoms, and listening to gospel music. She had an appreciation for artists such as BB King, Louis Armstrong, and Aretha Franklin. She enjoyed talking to her friends and family on the phone. She developed a passion for softball in her early twenties until a knee injury sidelined her participation. Her favorite film was The Imitation of Life. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers was her beloved football team, she was thrilled rooting for them, her favorite players were Doug Williams and Ricky Bell. One of her most-loved restaurants was Wright’s Gourmet, the red velvet cake was her favorite, along with a scoop of Blue Bell vanilla ice cream. Ann enjoyed traveling, especially to Alabama and Chicago to visit and spend time with her family and friends. She will be remembered for her faith, grace, elegance, and smile. Ann was a faithful servant of the Lord and will be missed by many.

Ann is preceded in death by her husband Earl Stanley Haugabook (Sarasota National Military Cemetery); Parents Henrietta and Jake Gardener; Siblings Mary E. Gardner, Nathaniel Gardner, Lee Frank Gardner, Robert Gardner, Joe Gardner, Zebedee Gardener, William Gardener; First husband, Gaston Lee Toney (Montgomery, Alabama)

She leaves to cherish her sweet memories:

Son Patrick Earl Toney (Arie Toney) of Tampa, Daughter Patrice Yvette Toney; Grandchildren Yasmin Aliyah Toney, Kiara Aiyana Toney, Rheanna Nesa Toney. Sister Glady’s (Robert Turner) of Chicago; Brothers Wilbert Gardner of Texas, and Arthur Gardner. Along with her many nieces, nephews, and a host of lifelong friends.

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In lieu of flowers, the family ask to please donate to charity of choice

Public Visitation will be held on February 25th, 2025 from 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm at

Blount and Curry Funeral Home

605 S MacDill Ave

Tampa, Fl 33609