Ann Louis McCrary Sims, age 76, of Columbus, Mississippi, passed away peacefully at Windsor Nursing Home on Wednesday, April 16, 2025.

Born on October 17, 1948, in Columbus, Mississippi, Ann was the beloved daughter of the late Thomas McCrary and Minnie Lester Lang McCrary. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Mississippi State College for Women and went on to dedicate her entire professional life to teaching, retiring after many years of service that left a lasting impact on countless students and fellow educators.

A woman of faith and joy, Ann was an active member of Wesley Methodist Church in Columbus, where she sang in the choir—a passion she carried throughout her life. Her creativity and warmth shone through her many hobbies: singing, bowling, making handmade cards for all occasions, hooking rugs, and baking pound cakes, sourdough bread, and cheesecakes that delighted family and friends alike.

Ann also found joy in community and connection. She was proudly involved with several organizations, including Kappa Kappa Iota, where she served as State Treasurer for Mu State and Beta Chapter, TWIST—where she gathered monthly with fellow retired teachers, and SPECIAL, another cherished teacher alumni group.

She is survived by her loving siblings, Ellen McCrary Lovick, Jamie McCrary Price (Tom Merchant), and sister-in-law Annette McCrary Howard, as well as lifelong friend Bud Sims. She was a devoted aunt to Brian Price (Darrie), Jason Price (Lindsay), Amber Hicks (Stephen), and Anna Ellis (Nathan), and was blessed with a host of great-nieces and great-nephews who brought her great joy.

She was preceded in death by her brother Thomas Ambrose McCrary and her brother-in-law Roger Lovick, husband of her sister Ellen McCrary Lovick.

Ann will be remembered for her kindness, her unwavering generosity, her infectious laughter, and the legacy of love and learning she leaves behind.

Visitation and service will be held at Lowndes Funeral Home in Columbus, Mississippi, on Friday, April 18, 2025, with visitation from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM and the service will be 11:00 AM. Interment will be at Friendship Cemetery, Columbus, MS with Lowndes Funeral Home directing.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites memorial donations to be made to Wesley Methodist Church (511 Airline Road, Columbus, MS 39702), the UAB Kidney & Pancreas Transplant Center (https://www.uabmedicine.org/giving/), or an educational organization of your choice.

Pallbearers will be Brian Price, Jason Price, Tripp Price, Stephen Hicks, Nathan Ellis, and Tom Merchant.