Ann Fields Skinner

Ann Fields Skinner passed away December 25, 2011 with her husband and all of her family by her side. Born in Baltimore, Maryland on June 1st, 1926, she and her mother arrived home in Nanticoke, Maryland by way of a Chesapeake Bay steamer. Ann graduated as the only girl of six seniors from a four room schoolhouse of eleven grades, then received a BS degree in Bacteriology from the University of Maryland. She worked in Bacteriology at Walter Reed Hospital, then Johns Hopkins Hospital. She attended her freshman year at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, then met her future husband, Richard G. Skinner, Jr, MD and moved to Jacksonville in 1951. Ann was a founding member of University Hospital (Shands) Women's Auxiliary, where she volunteered as a pink lady for 40 years, and the Jacksonville Symphony's Instrument Zoo, subsequently named in her honor. She played tennis all of her life, and traveled extensively with her husband of 61 years. Ann raised three children, Richard G. Skinner, III, (Patricia M. Houlihan), Dorothy Skinner Palmer, (Dr. Nicholas V. Palmer) and Allen Fields Skinner, (Debra Lee Skinner), all of whom survive her. Her husband and three sisters, Jane Beardsley, Nancy Fields and Priscilla Aloise also survive Ann, as do her grandchildren Nicholas, Daniel, Greta, Alexander, Drake, Davis, Claire, Oliver and Parker. Ann was a dedicated volunteer for many causes. She will be remembered most for her enduring compassion and generosity, keen intellect and delightful sense of humor. A great woman has passed and she will be sorely missed. A memorial service will be held in First Presbyterian Church of Jacksonville, 118 East Monroe Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 at 4:00pm on Friday, December 30, 2011 with Pastor Robert Morris officiating. Memorials may be made to Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra, Community Hospice of North East Florida, or a charity of your choice . Arrangements are under the care and direction of Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home 4115 Hendricks Ave. Jacksonville, FL 32207. (904) 346-3808. www.hardage-giddenshendricksave.com