Ann Hull Edwards

Ann Hull Edwards passed from this life on Sunday, September 24, 2023 in Gulfport, Mississippi.

Ann was born on February 22, 1972 to Ellen and Edgar Warren Hull in New Orleans, Louisiana. As a young child, she attended Sacred Heart Academy until her family relocated to Pascagoula, Mississippi. She then attended Sacred Heart Catholic Elementary School and Our Lady of Victories/Resurrection Catholic High School in Pascagoula, graduating in 1990. Ann earned a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education from Spring Hill College in 1994 and promptly began her life's ministry as an elementary teacher at West Elementary in Moss Point, MS. Ann met the love of her life, Clinton Thomas Edwards, the same year during a sailing regatta in Mobile Bay. They were married on April 20, 1996 and took their guests and families by surprise when they literally sailed into the sunset as they left their reception. She would subsequently teach at Gulfport's West Elementary and North Bay Elementary in Bay St. Louis before having children. Ann treasured her days at home with her children, fulfilling her dreams of being a nurturing mother like her own. When all three of her children reached school age, Ann returned to her passion and began her long tenure at St. James Catholic Elementary School in Gulfport. In the ensuing years she taught 3rd grade, 1st grade, and Kindergarten, permanently impacting the lives of countless children who had the blessing of learning from her. Ann and Clinton were active in the sailing community of not only the Gulf South but also throughout the country. Her love for the water was only superseded by her love for her family and all children, especially her students. She carried with her a love and concern for children that was clear when she was just a child herself. That love and care she held was a gift that she shared with all children she encountered, whether in her home, in her classroom, or even among strangers. Though a seasoned veteran in the classroom, Ann always searched for new approaches and the latest research to meet the needs of her students. She was respected and loved by her coworkers and students' parents. Ann supported her students in so many ways—surprising them at their extracurricular activities, sewing costumes for the annual spring play at St. James, arriving at school in her Mardi Gras majorette boots and a tutu, singing silly pneumonic songs to help them learn, and as important, showing them “tough love” when needed. She truly had a servant's heart designed by Providence to care for others, and she did this every day as she strove to walk in the path of Christ. Ann spent most of her days humbly serving others, and in this she reflected the faith she had. Though she always gave of herself, she loved to repeat her mother's favorite phrase, “I'm blessed, so blessed!” Her family, friends, students, the St. James community, and the sailing world are left with a great emptiness without her here. However, we rejoice in the faith that she is with her Lord, whom she loved so very much.

Ann Hull Edwards was preceded in death by her beloved mother, Ellen Smith Hull, whom she attempted to emulate in every way.

Left to treasure her memory are her husband of 27 years, Clinton, and their three children, Mallory Page Edwards, James Keefe Edwards, II, and Mary Ellen Katherine Edwards; father, Dr. Edgar Warren Hull (Dot); sister, Alice Hull Lachaussee (Matt); brother, Clinton Hull (Kandice); brother, Deven Hull (Catherine); Mother-in-law, Joanne Haluska Edwards; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Friday, September 29, 2023 at 12:00 p.m. at St. James Catholic Church with visitation from 10:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. The Rosary will be said at 11:30. Interment will follow the Mass at Krebs Cemetery in Pascagoula. Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, 15^th Street, Gulfport is honored to serve the Edwards family.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Ann's memory to the Ann Hull Edwards Memorial Scholarship c/o St. James School, 603 West Avenue, Gulfport, MS 39507. Donations to this fund may also be made directly to a GoFundMe account with the following link: https://gofund.me/4d3c834d