Ann Eady

Barbara Ann Eady, age 85, of Smyrna, Georgia, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at the Heritage of Marietta.

Ann was born on February 24, 1940, in Atlanta, Georgia. Her parents, George Robert Bailey and Margaret Henderson Bailey; daughter, Audrey "Dee Ann" Butler; and brother Robert "Bob" Bailey, all preceded her in death.

Family was always Ann's greatest priority. She raised her three children as a single mother, always creative, resourceful, and hard-working.

Ann began working in the Griffin (Spalding County) school system as a way to stay close to her children and be active in their education. Though not a teacher, she served as a teacher's aide, and administrative assistant within the school system. She worked diligently to assist many high school students as she was in charge of sending hundreds of college transcripts every year for seniors applying to college.

She also took on various side jobs to help support her family; creating custom art and gifts for a local retailer, working in the church nursery, and taking on additional roles in the educational system. Whether her children wanted dance lessons, music lessons, or sporting equipment, Ann found a way to provide. She encouraged creativity and self-reliance, traits that live on in her children.

Ann's artistic spirit shone throughout her life. She loved making art; from watercolor painting to hand-decorated gifts and home items. Musically gifted as well, she played piano in her youth, sang in the church choir, and performed with the church handbell group. She also taught country line dancing and enjoyed dancing as a way to stay active.

Beyond her love of family and art, Ann had a deep affection for animals and gardening. She raised many puppies over the years and always had a beloved family pet to spoil. Her green thumb was inspiring. Her yard was often filled with blooming flowers nearly year-round, and she continued tending her garden well into her later years.

Ann worshipped her Lord at the First Baptist Church of Griffin. Survived by her son, Tom Butler; daughter, Melody Eady-Pumplin; and grandson, Christopher Butler.

Visitation with the family will be on Saturday, November 1, 2025, from 12:00 pm until 1:00 pm at Conner-Westbury Funeral Home. The funeral service will follow in the chapel. Interment will be at Oak Hill Cemetery, in the Old Section.