Ann Matheny Vanover

Ann Elizabeth Matheny Vanover died of respiratory complications on Thursday, October 23, 2025. She was born August 8, 1947, the daughter of Cecil Lutz Holloway Matheny and Albert Ralston Matheny, Jr. She was their second child. Edwin (Ned) Holloway Matheny was her older brother, and Albert, III, is her younger brother. The family lived in Knoxville, TN. Ann attended schools locally until high school, when she entered St. Mary’s Suwanee, an Episcopal boarding school for girls.

Following her graduation, she became a dental technician in Knoxville and lived at the family home there. She married Joe Vanover in 1971, and they lived and worked in Knoxville until Joe decided to re-enlist in the U.S. Navy. He was stationed at Mayport Naval Base near Jacksonville, FL, and they chose to remain in the Jacksonville-Atlantic Beach-Jacksonville Beach area for the rest of their lives together. Ann and Joe made many good friends there, and Joe became thoroughly involved in the area’s Masonic lodge, especially following his retirement from the Navy.

Meanwhile, Ann had a natural flair for hobbies and delighted friends, and especially kids, with her handiwork. She was never able to have children of her own, but she was the “favorite aunt” of many of the children she encountered and dearly loved during her later years. Her love of the beach preceded her move to the Jacksonville area and only grew stronger over the years. She loved her walks on the beach and had a remarkable eye for finding shark’s teeth. She also loved her dogs, and always had one or two in her home, including her last furry friend, Coco.

Ann’s orbit was restricted by Joe’s failing health near the end and, later, hers as well, but they were able to get some good European travel and some Caribbean cruises in before they slowed down. She was always a cheerful warrior, despite some serious health issues.

Ann was a steadfast wife, a faithful daughter, a loving sister, and a good aunt. She had a great long-term and devoted friendship with her St. Mary’s classmate, Marsha Kern, of Cuba, MO. She was loved until the very end by her “little” brother, Albert, not far away in Gainesville, FL, and her cousin back in Knoxville, Diana Carter Samples. Her last years in life were spent very pleasantly thanks mostly to the devoted efforts of Lynne Knecht Roskein of Atlantic Beach. Ann’s family is very grateful for Lynne’s efforts and friendship during the last few, trying years.

Ann will be missed by too many people to remember here, but they can remember her and keep that memory alive by sharing her kindness with others.

The family and friends will gather from 12:00pm (NOON) until 3:00 pm on Wednesday December 17, 2025 at Beaches Chapel by Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home, 1701 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250. 904-249-2374