Mrs. Elma Ann Horne

It is with heartfelt sympathy that we announce the passing of Mrs. Elma Ann Horne, age 86, of Savannah, Georgia, who entered into her eternal rest on May 24, 2024. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 1, 2024 at 11:00 AM in The Evelyn Samples Shelton Memorial Chapel of Hanley Shelton Funeral Home.

Hanley Shelton Funeral Directors, Marietta.

Obituary - Elma Ann Horne

December 3, 1937 - May 24, 2024

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Elma Ann Horne, who left us peacefully to join her Lord & Savior Jesus Christ on May 24, 2024. Born on December 3, 1937 in Memphis, TN, Ann lived a rich and fulfilling life for over 86 years, leaving an indelible mark on all who knew her.

Ann was a woman of diverse talents and interests. She graduated from the University of North Florida with a Bachelor's degree in English, a testament to her lifelong love for literature and poetry. Her career included many endeavors including the making and selling of homemade curtains while living in New York, substituting as an English teacher and work as a successful real estate agent in Atlanta, Georgia. The real estate efforts allowed her to assist numerous individuals find their dream home, including many FBI agents relocating to the Atlanta Field Office. Ann’s professional achievements were only surpassed by her personal dedication and love for her family.

Ann’s love story with Edison Horne was nothing short of inspirational. They were devoted to each other until his passing on October 31, 2003. Her unwavering faith, support and care were constants in their marriage, and she often spoke fondly of the years they spent together. She especially enjoyed their trips to Kenya, France, Puerto Rico, Germany, Israel and elsewhere.

A true aficionado of music, Ann had a special place in her heart for Jazz and Motown records. She also loved to play cards, especially Bid Whist, and was known to be an excellent cook. Her mac & cheese became a legendary family favorite. She had a love for reading as evident in her extensive collection of biographies, christian books and James Patterson novels.

Ann was a pillar of her community, serving as a Bible study teacher at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Marietta, Georgia. She loved sharing stories about her childhood summers in Risen, Arkansas, and proudly spoke of her mother and father, Helen & Verdell Mathis. She was eager to let anyone know that Verdell was also widely considered the best left handed pitcher in the Negro League during the 1940s.

Ann is survived by her two children, Derek Horne and daughter Michelle Horne, as well as her much beloved and cherished grandchild Brionne Horne. Ann is also survived by her  last remaining sibling, Jean Reavis. Predeceasing Ann were her husband, Edison U. Horne, her brother, Verdell Mathis, Jr., and her sister, Helen Bell.

Elma Ann Horne’s legacy will live on in the hearts of her family, friends, and community. She touched the lives of many with her kindness, wisdom, support and love. We invite all who knew her to join us in remembering and honoring her remarkable life.

A memorial service to celebrate Ann's life will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, June 1, 2024, at Hanley Shelton Funeral Home, located at 473 Lawrence Street NE, Marietta, GA 30060. Family, friends, and all those whose lives were touched by Elma are invited to attend and honor her remarkable legacy.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the National Kidney Foundation in Elma’s memory, so that her struggles with dialysis will hopefully not be shared by future generations.

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