Ann Ward Morgan

Ann Ward Morgan of Morganton, NC died on November 23, 2025.

Ann was born on August 11, 1930, in Kansas City, Missouri, the eldest of six children born to Grace Moulton Ward and James Crawford Ward. Ann spent her childhood in St. Louis and attended the Community School and the John Burroughs School. She moved to Nashville with her family in 1942. She graduated from Chatham Hall School in Chatham, VA. She attended Bennett College in Millbrook, NY for one year before attending and graduating from Vanderbilt University in 1952. After Vanderbilt, she married Hugh J. Morgan Jr., an aspiring young lawyer and fellow Nashvillian. They moved to Chattanooga for several years where Hugh started his legal career, and then settled in Birmingham, AL where they lived for 52 years. Ann and Hugh raised their four children, Ann, Grace, Caroline, and Hugh in Birmingham and loved the life they led in that city. In 2013, they moved to North Carolina to be closer to their children and to their summer home in Linville, NC. They lived in Morganton, NC across the street from daughter Caroline and her husband Sam for most of Ann’s life in Morganton.

Ann had a gracious demeanor. Though she never sought center stage, she enjoyed the companionship of people and was hospitable and welcoming to those in her company. She was content in life. Even in later years with health challenges, she never complained and would deflect attention to those around her. She was a loving parent and grandparent.

Ann looked for the best in everyone. While playing a game at her granddaughter's bachelorette party, a card asked all participants what flaw irritated them most about their spouse/partner. After much thought (and pressed for an answer), Ann stated, "when he double faults in tennis". She shared in any good thing that came her way - even allowing for the family dog Pipsqueak to lay on her mink coat after coming home from a formal event.

Though modest, she gained attention as a gifted athlete. Ann excelled in horseback riding and tennis as a teenager. She was an excellent tennis player, playing late into life. She took up croquet and continued her winning ways. She excelled in competition, but never lost her perspective in sports; it was only a game.

Ann is predeceased by her parents, her brothers James Crawford Ward, Jr., William Moulton Ward, Stephen Watkins Ward and her sister Grace Ward Hall. She is survived by her sister Irene Watkins Ward. Her husband Hugh J. Morgan, Jr. survives her, as well as her four children, Ann Sanders (Blaine) of Charlotte, NC, Grace Morgan of Bethesda, MD, Caroline Avery (Sam) of Morganton, NC, and Hugh J. Morgan III (Alice) of Ann Arbor, MI. She leaves eleven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. The family is deeply indebted to the wonderful caregiver team that has cared for Ann the past few years.

A memorial service will be held at Grace Episcopal Church in Morganton, NC at 12pm, Saturday, November 29, 2025. Interment will be at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Nashville, TN with graveside services at 12pm, Saturday, December 6, 2025.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the backpack ministry at Grace Episcopal Church, 303 South King Street, Morganton, NC 28655.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.