Ann Keown, 87, of Huntsville passed away peacefully into the arms of her Savior Sunday, surrounded by her devoted and loving family. She was born October 26, 1931 in Milledgeville, Georgia to Mary Cornelia and Fred F. Starr. She was predeceased by her parents and sister, Peggy Starr Wright.
Survivors include her devoted and caring husband of 62 years, Thomas W. Keown, Jr.; son, Tommy Keown; daughter, Mary Elizabeth Keown; daughter-in-law, Dorothy Keown; and granddaughters, Catharine Ann Keown and Elizabeth Keown.
Ann’s early life was marked by poliomyelitis at 13 years, followed by extensive therapy at Warm Springs Polio Rehabilitation Hospital. After much perseverance and extensive surgeries, she attended Mercer University, graduating in 1952 with a degree in education. She taught school in Rome, Georgia for a few years. On December 21, 1955, she married and proceeded to her happiest role in life, that of wife, mother, and homemaker.
Her daughter was born in 1957, and soon thereafter Tom’s career briefly took them to Lynchburg, Virginia and then to Charlotte, North Carolina where her son was born. In 1969, the family moved to Huntsville, Alabama. In Huntsville she was very involved in her children’s interests, and faithfully attended and participated in church life. She was also an avid fan of Auburn University, and spent many happy years following, rooting for, and attending football games of “her” Tigers.
Devoted to her husband, children and grandchildren, she frequently talked about their activities as hers decreased due to post-polio syndrome. She was particularly proud of Lizzie’s and Catharine Ann’s graduation from Auburn and their subsequent successful careers.
She will be profoundly missed by her caregiving and completely devoted husband, as well as her children and granddaughters.
Visitation will be from 12 to 1 p.m. Tuesday, October 30, at Cornerstone Presbyterian Church, 149 Old Big Cove Road. The funeral will follow at the church with the Rev. Wilson Shirley officiating. Burial will be in Maple Hill Cemetery.
