Obituary for Ann Ray Irby
Ann May Irby, 90, died September 9, 2022, in Ridgeland, MS. Visitation will be held at the Activities Building of First Baptist Church of Durant, MS, on Tuesday, September 13, 2022,
from 10 until 11:30 am and from 1 until 2 pm,
with a memorial service immediately following in
the church’s sanctuary. The interment will be at
Mizpah Cemetery in Durant, MS.
Ann May Irby was preceded in death by her hus-
band, Robert E. Irby Jr., and parents, Hood May, Sr.
and Catherine Brown May of Pickens, MS. Survivors
include son, Robert E. Irby, III, and wife Rachel R.
Irby of Franklin, TN; daughter Cathy Irby Horne of Ridgeland, MS; grand-children, R. Elliott Irby, IV, and wife B’linda of Springdale, VA; Sarah Irby Gehri and husband Nathan of Brentwood, TN; Emma Irby of Franklin, TN;
Zachary Horne of Ridgeland, MS; and Wyatt Horne of Ridgeland, MS; and great-grandchildren Isobel Irby of Springdale, VA; Callum Irby of Springdale,
VA, Noah Gehri, of Brentwood, TN; and Clare Gehri of Brentwood, TN.
Ann was born in Lexington, MS, to the late Hood May, Sr, and Catherine Brown May. Ann grew up in Pickens, MS, but lived most of her life in Durant,
MS. She was a graduate of Holmes Community College, Belhaven University (B.A.), and Mississippi State University (M.A.). Prior to her retirement,
Ann was a member of the music faculty at Holmes Community College, primarily teaching piano. For many years Ann was the pianist and organist at First Baptist Church in Durant, MS, and later at First Presbyterian Church
in Kosciusko, MS. Ann was also the accompanist for her daughter Cathy’s Children’s Choir at First Presbyterian Church in Jackson, MS. During her lifetime, Ann was privileged to play for numerous weddings and funerals
in Holmes and Attala Counties.
In her spare time, Ann loved traveling with her husband, Bobby, across the country and around the world. She enjoyed reading mystery novels and shopping for all the latest clothing trends. She also loved spending numerous hours practicing her favorite music on the organ and piano.
Her most cherished time was spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, along with her daughter’s dog, Elijah.
The family suggests that memorial contributions in Ann’s memory be made to First Baptist Church of Durant, MS, First Presbyterian Church of Kosciusko, MS, First Presbyterian Church of Jackson, MS, or a charity or organization of your choice.
from 10 until 11:30 am and from 1 until 2 pm,
with a memorial service immediately following in
the church’s sanctuary. The interment will be at
Mizpah Cemetery in Durant, MS.
Ann May Irby was preceded in death by her hus-
band, Robert E. Irby Jr., and parents, Hood May, Sr.
and Catherine Brown May of Pickens, MS. Survivors
include son, Robert E. Irby, III, and wife Rachel R.
Irby of Franklin, TN; daughter Cathy Irby Horne of Ridgeland, MS; grand-children, R. Elliott Irby, IV, and wife B’linda of Springdale, VA; Sarah Irby Gehri and husband Nathan of Brentwood, TN; Emma Irby of Franklin, TN;
Zachary Horne of Ridgeland, MS; and Wyatt Horne of Ridgeland, MS; and great-grandchildren Isobel Irby of Springdale, VA; Callum Irby of Springdale,
VA, Noah Gehri, of Brentwood, TN; and Clare Gehri of Brentwood, TN.
Ann was born in Lexington, MS, to the late Hood May, Sr, and Catherine Brown May. Ann grew up in Pickens, MS, but lived most of her life in Durant,
MS. She was a graduate of Holmes Community College, Belhaven University (B.A.), and Mississippi State University (M.A.). Prior to her retirement,
Ann was a member of the music faculty at Holmes Community College, primarily teaching piano. For many years Ann was the pianist and organist at First Baptist Church in Durant, MS, and later at First Presbyterian Church
in Kosciusko, MS. Ann was also the accompanist for her daughter Cathy’s Children’s Choir at First Presbyterian Church in Jackson, MS. During her lifetime, Ann was privileged to play for numerous weddings and funerals
in Holmes and Attala Counties.
In her spare time, Ann loved traveling with her husband, Bobby, across the country and around the world. She enjoyed reading mystery novels and shopping for all the latest clothing trends. She also loved spending numerous hours practicing her favorite music on the organ and piano.
Her most cherished time was spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, along with her daughter’s dog, Elijah.
The family suggests that memorial contributions in Ann’s memory be made to First Baptist Church of Durant, MS, First Presbyterian Church of Kosciusko, MS, First Presbyterian Church of Jackson, MS, or a charity or organization of your choice.