Ann Sullenberger Gracy
September 19, 1934 – January 14, 2026
Ann Gracy was born in Knoxville, Tennessee, to the late Lance Sullenberger and Margaret Johnson. She worked in banking and the medical field before retiring as an administrative assistant with the Pascagoula, Mississippi public school system. Her faith, family, and music were central to her life, and she cherished her role as the mother of four.
A committed servant of Christ, Ann served as an elder at First Presbyterian Church in Pascagoula, MS. She was gifted with a beautiful voice, using her music to glorify God and uplift congregations throughout the Southeast. In retirement, she continued her service through volunteer work, including serving as Treasurer of Fayetteville ARP Church, her church home for the past 34 years, as well as serving on the Board of Good Samaritan.
She is survived by her daughters, Carolyn (Daniel Almers) Gracy of Fairhope, Alabama, Sara (Darryl) Rector, Margaret Gracy, and Lance Gracy, all of Fayetteville, Tennessee; grandchildren, Ann (Dusty) Reynolds, Chad Rector, Jeffery (Alexandria) Rector, Margaret (Sam) Arbothnot, Brandi Rector, Shayla (Devin) Carruth, and Lela Gracy; step-grandchildren, Melissa (David) Penrod, Dana (Troy) Kicklighter, James (Lindsay) Rector, and Jessica (Adam) Small; and twenty-three great-grandchildren. In addition to her parents, Ann was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert Calvin Gracy.
The family invites friends and loved ones to a Celebration of Life at 12:00 noon on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at Fayetteville ARP Church, with Rev. Seth Philbrick and Dr. R. Leslie Holmes officiating. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon prior to the service at the church. A private burial will be held at Prosperity Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Fayetteville ARP Church Music Fund, 1720 Huntsville Hwy., Fayetteville, TN 37334, or to a charity of your choice.
Higgins Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Ann Sullenberger Gracy.
4 Comments To "Ann Sullenberger Gracy"
#1 Comment By Gary & Brenda Badenhop On January 16, 2026 @ 5:03 pm
Ann was a dear and talented lady. We enjoyed her friendship many years at the ARP Church. We send our sympathy to her family.
#2 Comment By Jeanie Hyde On January 16, 2026 @ 10:11 pm
I’m sorry to hear about the loss of Ann. She was a lovely lady and I always enjoyed seeing her at Good Samaritan when I was with Red Cross. She will be missed by all who knew her. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and many friends at this time
#3 Comment By Lenace Hyde On January 18, 2026 @ 10:25 pm
My prayers for Mrs. Ann’s family and friends! She was a great lady!!
#4 Comment By Beth Hatcher On January 22, 2026 @ 5:44 pm
The Gracy families and the Hatcher family were very close. We played with the Gracy kids like we were cousins! Ann was always so precious to us. She was close to our momma, Flavil Hatcher. She and Robert put a bee hive in mommas tree! We love the Gracy family, and pray God will comfort all her loved ones.