Anne Ramey

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmama, great grandmama, and aunt, Anne Earline Bishop Ramey, 84, of Jonesboro, GA. She passed surrounded by family on February 9, 2025. 

Anne had a feisty, vibrant spirit and a passion for life. Her greatest joy was the family she built with the love of her life and husband of 62 years, Donald Ramey. Theirs was a love story for the ages that began in Birmingham, Alabama, in 1955 when Anne was only 15 years old. They married three years later in 1958 and were devoted to one another until his passing in June 2020. Together they raised five daughters and helped raise some of their grandchildren. 

Anne was a dedicated and loving mother to her five daughters and said each of them was her favorite—she even wrote a poem about that. All her daughters agree that she was an incredible mother: she cooked and chauffeured each of them to piano, ballet, tap, baton, gymnastics, choir—any kind of lessons or activities they wanted. She hand-made not only her daughters’ school clothes but also beautiful outfits for their babydolls and Barbies. Anne applied her creativity and artistic flair to every aspect of their home life making every birthday and Christmas special. She found great joy in doing the same for her eleven grandchildren, eighteen great-grandchildren, and her great-great granddaughter, all of whom she adored. 

Throughout her life, Anne was passionate about art and literature. She was an avid reader and ignited her daughters’ passions for creating and reading at a young age. She enjoyed music and was a fantastic dancer. She especially loved Neil Diamond, attending several of his concerts over the years with her husband, daughters and son-in-law. At one concert, he sang “Play Me” looking directly at her in the crowd. This was a story she would tell and retell over the years. 

Anne was a talented painter, creating works that touched the hearts of many. Blessed with both natural ability and a love for learning, she nurtured her artistic talent right up until her final days. She enjoyed and excelled in many mediums including watercolor and oil and participated in many gallery exhibitions and festivals. She was Artist of the Month in Clayton County in the 1980s. Her latest gallery participation was with Southern Heartland Gallery, located in the historic square in Covington. 

Anne’s artistic nature ran deep. She could paint, write, sew, decorate interiors, arrange flowers—anything that required creativity. She was a true fashionista and was always the most stylish woman in the room, even in her 80s. She found creative inspiration all around her and loved shopping and visiting galleries, museums and bookstores. When you took her to the art store or any store—it was an all-day adventure! Although she lived much of her life in Georgia, anyone who knew Anne knew she was the happiest on the beach under the warm sun. She especially loved the white sands and turquoise waters of Panama City, Florida. She always said, “A rainy day at the beach is better than a sunny day anywhere else.” Her beloved husband Donald loved taking her to the beach for a week or two every year, but she would always beg to stay longer. Finally, he started just booking the whole month. She also enjoyed many beach trips with her daughters and grandchildren over the years. 

Anne was a night owl, drawn to the beauty of the moon. She shared this love with her father and passed it down to her daughters, often calling them to admire a full moon together, no matter where they were. It was just one of the many ways she stayed connected to the people she loved. 

Some of her family members’ most cherished memories are conversations under her canopy of trees, where her Southern charm and bohemian spirit made even the night stars lean in closer to listen. She had this effortless way of blending classic style with free-spirited beauty, always able to see the diamond in the rough. 

Anne was also a true animal lover and cherished many pets over the years, including Ginger, a Bichon-Poo who was lucky enough to be loved and doted on by Anne and Don in their later years. 

Beyond her talents and passions, Anne was a woman of deep compassion and conviction. She saw the dignity in every person, regardless of their background or circumstances. She stood up for the underdog, believing in fairness, kindness, and the power of seeing people for who they truly were. Her generosity extended beyond words—she was a dedicated supporter of St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, ensuring that her kindness reached far beyond her own circle. 

Anne is survived by her five daughters: Kathryn Patterson, Pamela Ramey Tatum (John), Robin Ganyard (Carl), Christina Nelson (Myles), Donna Ramey Mincey (Oscar). Grandchildren: Steve Summerall (Kaylin), Sharena Summerall Hall (Chris), Candace Ditmore (Justin), Megan Ganyard Reid (Mike), Carla Ganyard, Mikey Bowen, Myles Nelson (Hannah), Luke Williford (Kinzie), Lindsay Bursby (Austin), Sadie Mincey (Luis) and Bradley Mincey. She also leaves eighteen adoring great grandchildren and one great-great granddaughter. 

Anne also leaves behind a brokenhearted, supportive group of relatives, including a niece, Cheryl Anne Pope, and nephew, William Bishop (Lillian) and three grand nieces, cousins and more. 

Anne was preceded in death by her devoted husband, Donald Ramey; parents, Edna (Thompson) and William Hume Bishop; great granddaughter, Miranda Mobley; brother, William Hume Bishop Jr. and sister-in-law, Linda Bishop; and her niece, Lisa Bishop. Anne lived her life to the fullest, despite facing many physical challenges during her later years. The world feels a bit dimmer without her light, but we are all forever grateful for the wisdom, love, and beauty she shared with all of us. Rest peacefully, sweet and infectiously-tart, Mama, Grandmama, Great grandmama. 

To honor Anne’s beautiful life, there will be a Celebration of Life on Sunday, February 16, 2025, at 3pm at Southern Heartland Gallery, 1134 Clark St SW, Covington, GA 30014. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to her favorite charity, St. Jude’s Children’s hospital.