Ann Smith Upton

Mrs. Ann Smith Upton, age 76, of West Church Street in Sandersville, died Monday, May 23, 2016. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, May 26th at 2:00 p.m. at the Sandersville United Methodist Church with burial in the Brownwood Cemetery. Reverend Dr. Joe Buck, IV will officiate. Pallbearers will be Mike Smith, Jay Smith, Jim Smith, Bob Smith, Larry Smith, Will Bonaringo, Chris Barber, Wade Register and Lee Strickland.

Mrs. Upton was a native and lifelong resident of Washington County, the daughter of the late William James “W.J.” Smith and the late Grace Tyson Smith. Ann graduated from secretarial school in Atlanta and returned to Washington County where she formerly worked for the William Carter Company, Washington Manufacturing, and as executive secretary for Cypress Kaolin. She and her late husband Bill owned and operated the Sandersville State Farm Insurance Agency where she served as office manager prior to their retirement in 1998. Ann was a longtime member of Sandersville United Methodist Church where she was a member of the Asbury Sunday School Class, the Church U.M.W, the Friendship Fellowship as well as previously serving the church in numerous leadership roles. She was an avid bridge player and a member of the Jared Irwin Chapter of the D.A.R. Her favorite role was being "Nana" to all her grandchildren. Ann is predeceased by her husband John William Upton, Jr.

Survivors include her children Grayson John Upton and his wife Traci of Sandersville and Fran Upton Clowse and her husband Steve of Atlanta; grandchildren: Jonathan T. Upton and his wife Megan of Athens, Lindsay G. Upton of Statesboro, Mallory K. Upton and Addyson N. Upton of Sandersville, and Maddy U. Clowse, Katie C. Clowse, and Grace B. Clowse all of Atlanta; and her brother William Smith and his wife Joyce of Fitzgerald.

The family will be at the Upton residence on West Church Street, and they will receive friends on Wednesday from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the May and Smith Funeral Home in Sandersville.

Donations may be made to the Sandersville United Methodist Church Building Fund, P.O. Box 611, Sandersville, GA. 31082.