Ann Garrison

Ruby "Ann" Garrison, was born on October 15, 1937 in New Orleans, Louisiana to Harold Joseph Robert and Ruby Marie Guidry. She was the second, of three daughters. Ann's family lived in New Orleans with her grandparents in their crowded, old house at 223 Miro Street, along with other aunts, uncles and cousins. 223 (as Ann called it) was the "center of her universe" growing up. 223 was full of happy memories and was the home she dreamed of most, throughout her life.

Ann attended Warren Easton High School in New Orleans. She met Doug Garrison at Warren Easton her senior year. They were married on May 21, 1955, and had two children (Stacey and Steve).

Ann and Doug relocated to the Detroit area in 1959; and lived in Taylor, Michigan in their first house from 1960 to 1968. Ann was a devoted mother. She instilled confidence and creativity in her children, and encouraged independence. Her life revolved around her two children. In 1968, Ann and Doug designed and built a house in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. She absolutely loved that house.

In 1970, Ann volunteered at the Birmingham Bloomfield Art Association (aka the BBAA), in Birmingham, Michigan. She was hired by the BBAA as a full time Clerical Assistant in 1972, and was promoted to Office Manager in 1977. Ann loved working at the BBAA. She had a passion for "the Arts." She enjoyed her colleagues, many of whom were artists. The Detroit Art Scene was intriguing; and the exhibits, events, and parties associated with the BBAA were fun and exciting. She filled her house with paintings, pottery, and sculpture created by her friends. She made life long friends and often said, "1970 to 1992 were the best years of my life."

Doug retired in 1992, and Ann "tried" to retire. They moved to Pass-A-Grille Beach. The life of a full time "beach bum" didn't sit well with Ann. She accepted a part-time position as a Library Clerk, at the St. Pete Beach Public Library in 1993. She worked for the City of St. Pete Beach at the library for over 26 years. Her career at the library nurtured her love of reading and literature. It kept her sane and relevant when Doug became ill. Ann was sharp and active at the time of her passing; working in her yard virtually every day and working at the library four days a week. She was loved and respected by her friends and colleagues in St. Pete Beach. The love and respect was mutual.

Ann passed away on December 1, 2021 She was 84. Ann was predeceased by her husband of 65 years, Douglas Jacquin Garrison, and her younger sister, Mary Suzette Linss of New Orleans. She is survived by her two children: daughter Stacey and her husband Dan Small; son Steve Garrison and his wife Terri; two grandchildren: Grant Garrison and Savanna Small; her older sister, Mildred Marie Dresel of New Orleans; brother in-law Scott Garrison and his wife Gail; two nephews: Page Garrison; Brett Linss, his wife Lauren and their two daughters, of New Orleans; niece, Tracey Linss of New Orleans, and many cousins.

A visitation for Ann will be held Saturday, December 18, 2021 from 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM at Beach Memorial Chapel, 301 Corey Ave., St. Pete Beach, Florida, followed by a memorial service at 3:30 PM.

Donations may be made to the Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center In memory of Ann Garrison: BBAC, 1516 S. Cranbrook Rd., Birmingham, MI 48009 Or on-line at BBArtCenter.org (Membership & Support) and email your information to: [email protected]

Donations can also be made to Suncoast Hospice at www.suncoasthospice.org

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.beachmemorial.com for the Garrison family.