Mrs. Ann Blalock Maddox

Ann Eva Blalock Maddox of Louisville, KY, died Sunday, August 26, 2012 at the age of 84 at Roanoke Memorial Hospital in Roanoke, Virginia. Ann was born March 27, 1928 in Brandon, KY to the late Parvin N. Blalock and Ina Thurman Blalock. In addition to her parents, Ann was preceded in death by her loving husband of 39 years, Jake H. Maddox, Jr., who passed away in December of 2011; four sisters, Murelle Hughes, Opal Howard, Martha Jane Stewart, Janice Miller; three brothers, Nelson Blalock, Max Blalock and Joseph Blalock. Ann grew up in a large, loving family in Murray, KY. She loved children and served as an elementary school teacher in Kentucky and Indiana, with over 26 years of dedicated service. Ann possessed an unswerving work ethic and was class valedictorian in her graduating class at Kentucky Wesleyan College, a task she accomplished while raising three young boys. Ann had a wonderful gift of music, being able to play piano "by ear". She regularly oversaw elementary school plays and served as pianist for many school events and family gatherings, and up to her passing, brought joy to others with her repertoire of hymns, show tunes and popular songs. Ann and her late husband, Jake, were active members at Broadway Baptist Church in Louisville, KY, and Ann demonstrated a deep spiritual faith throughout her life. Ann and Jake were a truly loving couple, and travelled extensively until health issues intervened for both. Ann fought a long and gallant battle against Alzheimer's disease with courage and dignity. In the face of this cruel disease, Ann continued to possess a sweet and gentle nature. She was beloved by the Emeritus community in Roanoke, VA, where she lived after her husband's passing. Ann brought joy to fellow Emeritus residents through her gift of music and her kind and gracious way. Ann is survived by her first husband, T. L. Plain, sisters, Rachel Solomon (Jim), Bettie Gravette (Donald); sons, Tom Plain (Ellen), Bob Plain (Cindy) and Patrick Plain (Seongman); grandchildren, Brian Plain (Karen), Anne-Marie Plain, Alison Plain, Jacqueline Waddell (Billy), Jake Truman Plain; Cheryl Rago (Jim); step-grandchildren, Jeffrey Maddox (Patti) and Amy Duncan (Travis); step great-grandchildren, Beatty Duncan, Cooper Duncan and Parker, Gunnar and Jeffrey David Maddox and many nieces and nephews. Special appreciation is given to the staff of the Emeritus Memory Care facility in Roanoke, VA, as well as the Palliative Care Team at Roanoke Memorial Hospital, along with Chaplain Gray Smith and Reverend Richard B. Brown. Visitation will be held from 1:00 to 2:00 pm, Wednesday, August 29, 2012 in the chapel of the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home, 201 South Third Street, Murray, KY. Funeral services to be held immediately following at 2:00 p.m. with Reverend Boyd Smith officiating. Burial to follow in the Murray City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations for Ann may be made to The Fisher Center for Alzheimer's Research Foundation. Friends may send their condolences to the family at www.thejhchurchillfuneralhome.com. Arrangements handled by J. H. Churchill Funeral Home, Murray, KY, 270-753-2411.