Mrs. Annie Jean Ridgell

RIDGELL, Mrs. Annie Jean - Age 87, passed away Friday, April 12, 2024, at Wellbridge of Grand Blanc. Family hour 10:00 AM Friday, April 19, 2024, from Vernon Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church, 5802 Dupont St., with funeral service commencing at 11:00 AM. Interment Sunset Hills Cemetery, 4413 Flushing Rd. Friends and pallbearers will assemble at the church 10:00 AM Friday. Mrs. Ridgell will lie in state in the Chapel of Lawrence E. Moon Funeral Home, 906 W. Flint Park Blvd. and may be viewed from 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM Thursday. Mrs. Annie Jean Ridgell was born on April 10, 1937 to Frank and Bamma Harris in Cornersville, Arkansas. She graduated from Lincoln High School in Star City in 1956, where she was a star player on the girls basketball team. At a young age, she accepted Christ as her savior at Strangers Rest AME Church.
Annie Jean moved to Michigan and married Earl Ridgell, whom she knew from childhood. They had five children together. Annie Jean worked in the dietary department at Flint General Hospital and later at St. Joseph Hospital. She and Earl worked together to provide for their children and make sure that they received an education and found good jobs. Annie Jean began attending Vernon Chapel AME Church and was an active member for nearly 60 years. She and Earl moved to Grand Blanc and she continued to live in their home after he passed away.
Annie Jean's pride and joy was her family. She liked nothing more than to have her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren around her. Her idea of a great time was having her family at the house, including her brothers and sisters and cousins and nieces and nephews. If a few friends were there, too, she loved it even more. She had many, many dear friends whom she kept forever. Some were childhood friends from Arkansas, some were friends she made at work, some were neighbors, some were friends from church. Once you became her friend, you were a part of her life. And if Annie Jean couldn't have you in her presence, the occasional long telephone call was a suitable substitute. She always had lots of questions to ask and lots of things to laugh about with you.
Mrs. Annie Jean Ridgell departed this life into eternal rest on April 12, 2024, at the age of 87. She leaves to cherish her memories four children: her son, Dr. Cornal Ridgell (Natasha) of Southfield; her daughters Tramell Alexander (Michael) of Evanston, IL, Cheryl Ridgell and Marsalette Ridgell, both of Grand Blanc. She leaves seven grandchildren: Adrienne Alexander (Alex Villaverde) of Chicago, IL, Anthony Alexander of Los Angeles CA, C.J. Ridgell of Farmington Hills, Danielle Thompson (Owen) of Battle Creek who was raised by her grandparents, Symone Ridgell of Los Angeles, CA, Simonte King of Flint, and Simeon King of Grand Blanc. She also leaves five great-grandchildren: Caridad, Esperanza, and Mercedes Alexander Villaverde of Chicago, IL; Olivia Thompson of Battle Creek and Cameron King of Flint. Annie also is survived by her brother James Harris (Bernestine) of Clio and sister Elizabeth Harris of Lincolnwood, IL; sisters-in-law Leola Harris of Holly, Alice Harris of Romulus, and Verlenda Peeples-Harris of Monticello, AR; brother-in-law Chris Ridgell of West Bloomfield, and brothers-in-law Billy Ray (Dantanese) Ridgell, Bommie Ridgell, and Dwight Ridgell, all of Monticello, AR; stepson Earl Nathaniel Ridgell of Arkadelphia, AR; special cousin Rozene Handley of Flint, son-in-law Coatsey Ellison of Jonesboro, GA, and a host of other relatives and dear friends.
Mrs. Ridgell was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Earl Ridgell; her daughter, Rogena Ellison; her parents, Frank and Bamma Harris; sisters Carrie, Clara, Anna Bernice, and Eura Lee; and brothers O.V., Johnnie Lee, Howard, Walter, Frank Jr. Lawrence, Marion "Buster", Arthur, George, Thomas, Charles, Fred, and Waymond.
Mrs. Ridgell's funeral service will be livestreamed at Vernonchapelchurch.com