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BORN
1953
DIED
2023
Ann Riordan Obituary
She was predeceased by her mother, Jean Ann Sennett Davis, her father, Frank Love Davis and her brother, Frank Love Davis, Jr.
She is survived by her sister, Sandy Noble (Gary) of Southaven, MS and her brother Dana Blair Davis (Regina) of Louisville, KY. She also leaves two nephews, Phillip Noble (Leslie) of Nashville,TN and Scott Noble (Carolyn) Westfield, NJ, along with their children who she spoke of often.
She also leaves her sweet and adoring husband, Jerry Riordan, whom she loved so much that she married him twice!
Anne was a dedicated 27-year Master Gardener and was President in 1999. She was a founding member of the Mid-South Hydrangea Society in 2004. As a founder, she was responsible for finding and arranging the tours of the fantastic private gardens that were open to the public every June. She was well-known in the South for her beautiful jewel box of a garden. There was even a 7-page spread of her garden in the June 2011 issue of Better Homes and Gardens.
Anne loved English cottage gardens and all things French. She loved to travel and visit gardens close and far. If there was an event, a garden to see, a nursery or garden center, she was packing her sunscreen and hat and ready to go!
Anne had a very discerning eye and impeccable taste. She was kind and generous and brought joy to everyone she knew. She could light up the room and make you feel like you were the only person she wanted to see.
When she retired in 2011 after 37 years with USPS, she thought she would be bored. But, she never stopped finding things to do. Places to go, people to meet and see, books to read, art to enjoy.
As an animal lover, she and Jerry had adopted and loved five cats over the years: Smokey, Sugarfoot, Buster, Sammy and Tommy.
Our dear friend is no longer suffering or facing those challenging health issues. She is now tending that beautiful garden in heaven.
There will be a memorial service in the spring to honor Anne's memory and to honor her love of gardening.
If you wish to make a donation in her memory, please consider Dixon Gallery and Gardens (www.dixon.org/give) or Humane Society of Memphis and Shelby County (www.memphishumane.org/).
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ann Riordan
David Blakely
April 17, 2024
Ann was a great neighbor and a fantastic person. I loved hanging out with her on York and Barksdale. My condolences to her family and friends!
Jennifer weeks
February 6, 2024
First I´d like to give my sincere condolences to Ann´s entire family and her husband Jerry.. I´m not sure where to start because Ann was so near and dear to my heart. Hearing of her passing was devastating for I thought she as recovering.. as we all did. I was Ann´s hairstylist for probably close to 20 years.. She was always funny and engaging and always moderately sassy which of course I loved! She brought joy, in my opinion, to everyone she came in contact with.. what an incredible human being.. between being a master gardener, learning French, always, always looking forward to her next accomplishment, and just being a super kind and beautiful person. A pure ray of sunshine in our lives! I. Not sure how we can come to terms with the loss of such a beautiful soul.. yet I know she´s in Gods arms.. I´m assuming he needs beautiful angels, and she, Ann is definitely that.. Rest in peace my dear friend.. until we meet again
Richard D. Higgins/AC Gardo Jr.
January 15, 2024
Back in 1978 when Anne and Steve moved on to Barksdale were we were already lived. We had decided that the girl w/ long beautiful black hair was a Jane, close but she was an Anne. This beautiful, lovely lady was to become the best friend that we ever had. We talked everyday by phone, or visited each other often after we each moved from Barksdale.
We truly loved Mrs. Davis (Jean) her mother who was a wonderful lady that served us so many wonderful meals when we visited her at the lake. We had visited her at the hospital on Sunday was shocked when Anne called me at work to tell me that her mother had passed.
When we heard from Jerry that Anne had passed, to go to be with her mother, Frankie, and her dad we were totally shocked.
We know that we will all be together soon. We love you. Anne as we ended every phone call, or visit by telling each other, love you and love you guys.
Norma Montesi
January 11, 2024
Losing Anne is so hard. She went through so much health wise and was the bravest person I know. Always upbeat and full of life and love. Miss her so much every day . Love and peace to you, Jerry.
Beth Hudson Schafer
January 5, 2024
Anne, Mom and I loved running into you at the Central Gardens home tour. We both love beautiful things and it was a treasure knowing you. May Teresa Mazzone Newpoff welcome you into heaven with open arms.
Ginger McDugle
January 4, 2024
I knew Ann in high school but we lost touch after graduation. We reconnected a few years ago through a mutual friend. I´ll miss talking to her & seeing her at Joel & Linda´s parties. RIO my friend
Woody Colemsn
January 3, 2024
So sorry to hear this sad news. Grew up near Frankie, Ann, Sandy and Dana.. Hope i hear snout the spring gathering.. ptayers for thr Davis family.
Joe Millner
January 3, 2024
Ann and I attended all of the same schools growing up and I remember her as a sweetheart. It must have been that kiss I stole in the 4th or 5th grade!
Rest easy, Ann.
carol kiersky
January 2, 2024
I met Anne through my brother Steve and sister-in-law Caroline. Only a few short times with her were enough to come to love her for her kindness, warmth, and loving nature. Jerry, I hope your grief will soon be replaced by the wonderful memories for the life you were so fortunate to share.
Joyce Williams
January 1, 2024
I knew Anne from the Dixon. We were Volunteers for a lot of years, She was always smiling and happy. Can't believe she is gone. Will miss seeing her when we go back to potting plants for our Spring sale. She was a sweetheart and I loved her. This picture is from our last Spring sale. She will be a great garden up in Heaven.
Brittney Thompson
December 31, 2023
Aunt Anne was so sweet! I´m so glad I was able to spend some
time with her this past February. We had time to chat and enjoy West Baden, she gave me advice and was always so loving! She was also my Godmother! I love you! I miss you! I will see you again!
Linda Eddins
December 30, 2023
It´s still so hard to believe that our sweet friend will no longer at the Dixon volunteering, sharing her knowledge of plants, going out to eat with us, wearing her big old hat and overalls. There is so much to miss of Ann!! Her smile was so genuine and she really listened! There are not many friends like Ann! I thank the Lord that He put her in my path. I will miss her!
Regina Davis your sister-in-law. What great memories we created.
December 29, 2023
Linda Smith
December 29, 2023
I truly will miss her sweet smile & great hugs. She & I shared a horse voice, mine just got repaired & she was so ready to check if my repair could be done to hers. My time with her at the Dixon will always be a treasured memory.
I know that now in heaven she is singing & talking with her new voice and I look forward to the day when we can have a conversation with us both having a new voice.
Thank you Jerry for sharing her with us.
Linda Smith
Barbara Welsh
December 29, 2023
Anne Marie will always be in our hearts. Growing up with her, my favorite memories is when I stayed with my Aunt. Anne Marie would take me in her car to the drugstore to get some candy. I always looked up to her. My Mom & her were very close. I was very excited when she started the Hydrangea Club & was published as noted, since I love flowers; as a floral designer.
She was a hard-worker & you might go by her house and she had just knocked out a wall to remodel!
I am grateful God set us in same family. Our memories will always be cherished!
Love & Sympathy to Jerry, Sandy, Dana & rest of family
She will never be forgotten!
Linda Lanier
December 29, 2023
Anne was such a sweet and loving friend. I still can´t believe you are gone, my Hydrangea Lady friend. We are all thinking of you at this time, Jerry. You were so devoted to her, especially in the hospital.
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