Ann Hipp Johnson of Decatur, died on Thursday, March 12, 2015, at the residence of her daughter after a brief battle with cancer. She was born in Spring Valley, Blount County, AL., on September 29, 1940 to the late Marvin Hipp and Sally Parrish Hipp. She is her parents’ last surviving child. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by four brothers; Birl Hipp, Ralph Hipp, Billy Hipp and James Hipp; seven sisters; Pat Hipp, Fannie Hipp Freeman, Dot Hipp Nation, Mary Hipp Chapman, Bobbie Hipp Croft, Nancy Hipp and Joyce Hipp Shirley.
Surviving her and cherishing her memory is her daughter, Renee Johnson Little and son-in-law, Dennis Little, and one of the greatest joys of her life, her beloved grandson, Jonah Little. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews, whom she loved very much.
Ann was, for many years, in the finance and banking industry in Birmingham and Decatur. She retired from AmSouth Bank in Decatur. She and her former husband, the late Bob Johnson, were owners of one of Decatur’s earliest Italian and pizza restaurants, The House of Pizza. She was once active in Decatur’s Business and Professional Women’s Club and the local Veterans of Foreign Wars Post.
Ann was a gifted musician, singer, and songwriter who appeared on many Birmingham radio and television programs in the late 1950’s. She also appeared on the now defunct Junior Grand Ole Opry. For many years she performed as part of a gospel quartet. Ann was a humble, gracious, and loving servant of Jesus Christ for Whom she modeled His love to all she met. Her family will forever remember the example she set in her honest and close walk with Christ.
In keeping with her wishes, a private memorial service will be conducted at graveside by Reverend Patrick Cooley, pastor of Trinity United Methodist Church. Ann will be buried in Johnson family section of the Mount Hope Cemetery in Arley, Winston County, AL.
The family wishes to express special thanks to friend and neighbor, Jeannette Smith, for her nearly daily kind expressions of love and concern.. Also, a special thank you to Hospice of the Valley for the kindness, care, and love shown to Ann, and to them, during her illness
The family asks that in lieu of flowers, any memorials be made to Hospice of the Valley or the charity of your choice.
Ridout’s Brown-Service Funeral Home is assisting the family.
