Ann Ernst, age 93, passed away peacefully at Spanish Oaks Hospice on October 5, 2021.

Ann, a native Savannahian, was born to Wayland D. Hutchins and Clara Clark Hutchins on April 30, 1928. She attended Chatham County public schools, Armstrong Junior College, and graduated from Valdosta State University with a degree in Biology.

Ann married H. Andrew “Andy” Ernst in 1950 and together they raised three children.

Ann’s first job involved research in mosquito malaria transmission and control at Oatland Island Research Lab which was part of the CDC. Most of her career was spent in education, first as curriculum director at Hancock Day School and later teaching children with learning disabilities through Royce Learning Center.

Ann and her husband, Andy, were active, faithful members of Wesley Monumental United Methodist Church and the Fellowship Class. They especially enjoyed time spent at Wesley Gardens on Moon River. In their retirement, they enjoyed traveling and their grandchildren.

Ann’s interests included sewing, oil painting, and especially reading. Every grandchild’s birthday was greeted with a special cake decorated by “Nana”. Each holiday her house was filled with fun decorations to celebrate the season. She also enjoyed celebratory meals with her beloved group of old elementary school friends, “The Flamingos”.

Throughout the years, “Nana” instilled many qualities in her children and her grandchildren. Among them were “always do your best”, “never give up on what you’ve started”, and “live up to your abilities”. Flash cards and reading lessons were often a part of visits to Nana and Papa’s house (along with lots of fun stuff)!

She was predeceased by her parents, her husband Andy, and her sister, Claudine Hutchins Hill (Jim).

Survivors include a son, Drew Ernst (Kathy); daughters, Judy Ernst Cleveland (Paul), and Ann Marie Ernst Stack (Don). Ann was “Nana” to her nine grandchildren, Elizabeth Ernst Davis (Jera), Christina Cleveland Glendye (Trey), Kathryn Ernst Kent (Chris), Laura Cleveland Westberry (Josh), Corey Stack (Hailey), Caleb Stack, Carrie Stack, Anna Kate Stack, and Angelina Stack. Eight great-grandchildren also knew her as “Nana”. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews and special family friend, Corinne Evans.

Visitation will be held 5:30 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 7, 2021 at Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel. Graveside service will be at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, October 8, 2021 in Hillcrest Abbey Memorial Park. All are invited.

The family would like to thank those that helped care for Ann while she was home and to all the wonderful caregivers and management at Spanish Oaks Retreat.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations be made in Ann’s memory to Wesley Monumental United Methodist Church, Wesley Gardens Fund, 429 Abercorn Street, Savannah, GA 31401.