Ann B. Columbus

Ann McDaniel-Columbus, who lived life her way, passed away at the age of 84, Saturday evening, February 10, 2018 at the Henderson Health and Rehab Center. Mrs. Columbus was born on March 13, 1933, in Lexington, TN., daughter of the late Jim Curtis McDaniel and Pricilla Pauline McDaniel. Mrs. Columbus graduated from Chester County High School in 1952 and went on to attend West Tennessee Business College. After graduation, she worked briefly for Davis Realtor before moving to Chicago in 1954. Mrs. Columbus was employed by Chicago Blower of Franklin Park, Illinois. While at Chicago Blower, Mrs. Columbus rose to the position of Traffic Manager, coordinating world wide shipments for the manufacturer. At the time, Mrs. Columbus was the first woman to reach this level in management, earning her mention in a Business Week article on the promotion of women in the workplace, holding positions traditionally held by men. Following her many years with Chicago Blower, Mrs. Columbus was employed by LaRocco Construction. In 1973, Mrs. Columbus married her beloved Michael Columbus at the First Congressional Church in Oak Park, Illinois. The two retired to Henderson, Tennessee in 1985 and enjoyed 35 years together before Michael’s passing in 2008. During retirement, Mrs. Columbus worked ten years for Johnny W. Garner in the Chester County Clerk’s office. Mrs. Columbus loved Italian food, lasagna in particular, as well as pimento cheese sandwiches. She also loved fine and beautiful clothing and looked forward to dressing for outings. Mrs. Columbus is survived by three sisters, Dorothy Blankenship of Lexington, TN, Wanda Feldman of Chicago, IL, Mary (Les) Baker of Oxnard, CA, and brother Billy (Inez) McDaniel of Darien, IL. Mrs. Columbus loved intimate conversations and visits with family and friends. The family would like to thank Mr. Gary Kirk for his years of friendship and help he provided Mrs. Columbus. During a recent recollection of her life’s journey on earth, Mrs. Columbus said, “Did you ever think of my name ¬ Annie Belle Columbus, ABC and I was born on 3/13/33… now How About That!” Those who new Annie Belle best would say, “That’s just Fine,” and will dearly miss her love and passionate approach to life. Arrangements will be handled by Shackelford Funeral Directors of Henderson, TN., services will be private. A Celebration of Mrs. Columbus’ life will be held at a future date, with notice provided in advance. In Lieu of flowers, donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital will be appreciated.