Anna Lee Massa

Anna Smith Massa, age 65, of Cordova, TN, slipped quietly into the gates of heaven on May 3, 2012 due to natural causes in the comfort of her own home. In her passing, Anna was reunited with her beloved daughter, Kelly Smith Howell, who recently passed in November of 2011 at the age of 39. She has now also joined her father, Ernest Parks Garrett Jr. Anna is survived by her mother, Ruby Garrett; husband, Ken Massa; her brother, Robert Garrett, his wife Janis, and family; her sons, Kevin and Scott Smith; and her four grandchildren, Kaci Billings, Justin Smith, Bailey Howell, and Gavin Lane. Anna was born to E.P. and Ruby Garrett on October 13th, 1946. She grew up on Hawk Pride Mountain in North Alabama and graduated from Cherokee Vocational High School in 1965. She later relocated to the Memphis area with her newly formed family in 1968. Anna was blessed with many talents including athleticism, artistic ability and an altruistic nature. Anna began coaching the men's golf program at Christian Brothers University in '98, and she began serving as the school's first women's golf coach in '04. In 2010, Anna retired after devoting twelve years to the men's program and six years with the women's program. Golf was not just an occupation for her. It was a passion in which she indulged with her husband, Ken, and other regulars at Galloway on most afternoons. Anna was also an active member of Hope Presbyterian Church, where you may have seen her singing and dancing in the front row every Saturday evening. Anna's warmhearted and outgoing personality allowed her to relate to and converse with people from all walks of life. Her enthusiasm lit up any room she walked into. Anna leaves us with many special memories as a loving daughter, sister, mother, "Nina," coach, and friend. She will be missed by many but we can be reassured that she is enjoying life in the arms of our Lord. In lieu of flowers, you may send a charitable contribution to the Junior League of Memphis in memory of Anna Massa. 3475 Central Avenue, Memphis, TN 38111. The family has chosen this organization due to the delight she experienced in her frequent visits to the Junior League of Memphis Repeat Boutique. Visitation will be Monday, May 7 at Memphis Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens Poplar from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Funeral service will be Tuesday, May 8 at 12 p.m. at Hope Presbyterian Church. Online condolences and floral tributes may be made by visiting www.memphisfuneralhome.net.