Ann Coffman Johnston

She was born November 2, 1939, to Ed and Betty Coffman in Dayton, Ohio. Her younger brother, Stephen Edward Coffman was born almost 5 years later. The Coffmans resided in Dayton and later Murfreesboro, Tennessee and finally settled in Birmingham, Alabama. Ann loved her family, horses, travel, and history. She served as president of her sorority at Shades Valley High School and graduated from there. At the University of Alabama, Ann studied history and was a member of the Chi Omega sorority.

After college, Ann worked in the travel industry. She met J. B. Johnston in Montgomery, Alabama (on a blind date) and after a brief courtship, Ann and J.B. married. Elizabeth and Joe were born in Montgomery. In the winter of 1967, the small family moved to Albany, New York, where Mark was born. A year later, the Johnstons crossed the country to San Rafael, California. Ann and J.B. divorced soon after and she returned to Birmingham with her 3 small children.

Ann also returned to the travel industry and in the early 1970s joined a small team at All Seasons Travel. She and Grantland Rice II built the business, creating a sports travel department that catered to football fans across the Southeast. Because of Ann’s willingness to try new things and forward thinking, All Seasons was one of the first travel agencies to use computers.

A love of people and adventure served Ann well and she travelled far and wide! While in Kenya, she and her cohort were invited into the home of a Kenyan woman and offered a drink. Ann said yes, thank you. Everyone else said no, thank you. When they all got violent stomach bugs the next day, Ann teased - well! I guess ya’ll should have said yes, too!

The only continent she did not visit was Australia. Ann climbed the Great Wall of China, learned watercolor technique in France, dove into the waters of Antartica, and visited every state in the U.S. except Alaska. For her 80th birthday, she took her family to Tuscany, Italy, where we stayed in a breathtaking 17th century villa, Cetinale.

As much as Ann loved travel, she loved her family more. Being a single mother with a demanding career and 3 active (okay, wild!) children presented many a challenge. But, Ann attended baseball games, cheered at swim meets, and took care of her elderly parents. We Johnstons have joked that All Seasons was our mother’s 4th child. In a way it was, but definitely 4th behind the 3 of us. Our mother was the Vice President, then President, and finally CEO of the company. In her career spanning over 4 decades, she mentored, loved, and served the people and clients of All Seasons Travel, retiring at age 75. As a grandmother, Ann delighted in hosting spend the night parties with all three granddaughters and her and her dog, Olive, in one bed! Chipper, the one and only grandson, was beloved by his grandmother.

A consummate hostess, Ann loved cooking and entertaining in her elegant, light-filled home. She remembered if you liked cream in your coffee, your beer in a chilled glass, and your potato salad without eggs. One of her greatest delights was giving gifts! She collected treasures and trinkets in her travels and saved them up for Christmas - which in case you did not know - is the BEST DAY of the year. Her home was Christmas. She was Christmas!

Ann’s parents, Ed and Betty Coffman, preceded her in death. Her younger brother, Steve Coffman died in January of 2025. She is survived by her daughter Elizabeth Vander Kamp (Phil), son Joe Johnston (Wei), son Mark Johnston, and sister-in-law, Anne Coffman. Also, her grandchildren, Mark (Chipper) Johnston, Tressa Vander Kamp, Mary Vander Kamp, and Ann Mei Johnston.

A Memorial Service will be held at the Cathedral Church of the Advent Friday, November 21st at 2pm with a reception following the service.

If you would like to make a donation in Ann’s honor, please give to Westonwood Ranch (www.westonwood.org) or a charity of your choice.