Ann Maddux White

Ann Maddux White passed away peacefully in her sleep on July 13, 2026, in Memphis, Tennessee. She is survived by her devoted husband of 49 years, Ira Gail White (who was also her high school sweetheart); her beloved children, George White (Lara) and Leigh Taylor White (Malcolm Futhey III), and grandchildren, Mary Maddux Harris (Joseph), Alec White, Lauren White, Finley Futhey, and Taylor Futhey; siblings Robert “Buffa” Maddux, Jr. (Diane), Nina Maddux, and David Maddux (Dorothy); as well as nieces, nephews, and many cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, Frances Elizabeth Maddux and Robert Finley Maddux, Sr.

A Service to give thanks for Ann's life will be held at Batesville Presbyterian Church, 121 Eureka Street, Batesville, Mississippi 38606 on Friday, July 24, 2026, with visitation at 10:00 a.m. followed by the funeral service immediately thereafter at 11 a.m. Interment will be held at Magnolia Cemetery in Batesville. 

Ann was born and raised in Batesville, Mississippi. The oldest of four children, Ann grew up on Panola Avenue next door to her beloved grandmother, “Ban,” and her adored aunt, “Dear.” Ann’s early years were filled with family, friendship, and joyful adventure, such as riding horses in the backyard, on the farm, and at Camp Castalian; playing the piano and saxophone; and performing as a majorette for South Panola High School, the Lion’s All State Band, and Mississippi State University. Ann cherished the memories of her idyllic childhood, and as a true Southerner born into a family of story tellers, she never missed the opportunity to share a good tale from those days.

Ann earned her Bachelor of Arts in Education and her Master of Education from the University of Mississippi. She taught for many years in public elementary schools and helped pilot the gifted education program in the State of Mississippi. Creative and deeply artistic, Ann brought art and music into both her classroom and home, enriching the lives of her students and family.

Ann found great joy in dance and performance. She choreographed and taught dance routines for pageants, performed at the Panola Playhouse on many occasions, sometimes with other family members, including her husband, children, and sister. She embraced the disco era with enthusiasm, taking dance classes with her husband and other Batesville couples back when disco was “hot.” Ann would also want it noted that she could still do the splits.

Her love of horses was lifelong. She found comfort in the scent of saddle leather and could talk endlessly about her favorite horses. When she was no longer able to ride, Ann followed horse racing, often picking the winner of the Kentucky Derby but never placing a bet. A fan of Winston Churchill, Ann certainly agreed that “No hour of life is wasted that is spent in the saddle.”

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions to either Batesville Presbyterian Church, 121 Eureka St. Batesville, MS 38606 or Idlewild Presbyterian Church, 1750 Union Ave. Memphis TN 38104.