OBITUARY: Ann Rainey Griffeth

Ann Rainey Griffeth

Ann Rainey Griffeth, age 77, of Franklin, Tennessee passed away peacefully, March 1, 2018 at her home surrounded by generations of family members indebted to her for her years of unconditional love and faithful support.

Ann was preceded in death by her oldest son Ron Griffeth, Jr., her father Charles Franklin Rainey, brothers Charles Rainey, Jr. and Tommy Rainey, and nephew Clint Rainey. She is survived by her husband of 55 years Ronnie Griffeth, children Hope and Tony Knight of Leesburg, Georgia, Chuck and Diane Griffeth of Goodlettesville, Tennessee, and Greg and Susan Griffeth of Little Rock, Arkansas. She and Ronnie raised a granddaughter as their own, Laurel Griffeth Satterfield, residing in Nashville, Tennessee with husband Allan. Other grandchildren are Matthew Henne, Joyce Knight (Nikki) Sadler, Erika Griffeth, Larsen Griffeth, Cole Griffeth, and Brolan Griffeth. Great-grandchildren include Zoe Satterfield, Callie Satterfield, Jaxon Sadler, and baby Sadler due in October.

She is also survived by her mother, Mabel Rainey of Albany, Georgia, her sister Cindy (Watson) Guillebeau of Albany, Georgia, brother Donnie (Laurie) Rainey of Athens, Georgia, and eight nieces and nephews.

Ann was born and raised in Albany, Georgia (“All-beny” for Ann and her descendants). She attended Albany High School and graduated from the University of Georgia. She was an elementary school teacher and perfectly fulfilled her role as the headmaster’s wife for 35 years. In 1990, she became a resident of Franklin, Tennessee and Battle Ground Academy’s number one supporter. She was grateful for her friends, her bible study groups, and her Sunday school class at Franklin First United Methodist Church, served in the Stephen Ministry, was former president of Friends of Williamson County Library, and was rewarded by her regular service to Meals on Wheels.

She directed all of Ronnie’s gardening activities and fully enjoyed the results of her leadership. She was a writer of life, the family genealogist, a back-yard bird watcher, and a lifter of souls with her frequent smiles and encouraging words. Ann’s greatest accomplishment will be revealed in the memorials of loving acts carried out by those who were blessed by knowing her. We will be more determined to live counter to our narcissistic and image-conscious culture. We will find more joy in the simple things of life; the relationships with family and friends, the laughter of a grandchild, the quiet of a morning, and the song of a sparrow. We will be humbled by our imperfections yet live in the freedom of grace. We will love and will not judge. We will live with more empathy for others and the pain they are carrying. This is how Ann lived and by God’s grace how we should all carry on.

Memorials may be directed to, Franklin First United Methodist Church Meals on Wheels, 120 Aldersgate Way, Franklin TN 37069 ; to Alive Hospice, 1718 Patterson Street, Nashville TN 37203; or to a charity of your choice. Visitation with the family will be held on March 3rd from 4PM to 7PM at Williamson Memorial Funeral Home, 3009 Columbia Ave., Franklin, TN 37064. Following a private burial a memorial service will be held on March 4th at 3PM at Franklin First United Methodist Church followed by fellowship and visiting with the family. WILLIAMSON MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME, 615 794-2289. www.williamsonmemoiral.com