Ann Taylor Uhlhorn

Ann Taylor Uhlhorn died March 23 in her home, surrounded by her family.

Ann grew up in Port Huron, Michigan. She was attending the University of Michigan when her parents moved to Memphis. Needing to update her driver’s license, Ann went to the DMV. She got a new license and met the love of her life, Walker Uhlhorn, at the DMV (who knew that good things could happen at the DMV?!) They married at Christmastime in 1958 and started their new life in San Diego. Walker sailed the seas with the U.S.

Navy while Ann managed their apartment complex.

Five years later, the day they found out they were going to be parents, Walker resigned from the Navy, and the couple moved back to Memphis to be near family. Soon, Ashley was born, followed by Pearson and then Taylor. Ann stayed home with her girls. She loved being outside and took care of the lawn and gardens herself. Her yard was always gorgeous, and she knew the names of even the most obscure flowers.

Ann also kept a tidy and well-organized home. She is the only person her family knew who could make a tight hospital corner and fold a fitted sheet into a flat sheet so that when the sheets were put on the bed, they looked as if they had been ironed.

Ann cooked for her family and taught her girls to make reservations. Each daughter married a man who can cook, so this worked out for all.

Ann was actively involved in the community, dedicating time to MIFA’S Meals on Wheels. She and her best friend, Bonnie Willmott, delivered meals together for well over two decades. Ann served as both the local and the national president of the Women’s Exchange. She was active at the Church of the Holy Communion where she held several leadership positions.

Truly, she was an outstanding wife, mother, sister and friend. Ann touched the lives of many with her warmth and kindness.

She also had a passion for golfing. She and Walker resolved to play golf in as many countries as they could. They played on every continent except Antarctica, including an especially memorable round in the shadow of The Pyramids in Egypt here she shot the first of her seven holes in one! She was also the Chickasaw Women’s golf champion. She loved to play for money because she did not lose.

Ann showed her fiery side very rarely, but people not following correct golf etiquette would surely know of her disapproval. Ann loved games. She especially loved Rummikub and mah-jongg. She was clever and strategic. This showed in her quick wit too.

She always had a smile on her face, and she talked to everyone. She and Walker were often paired with strangers to make foursomes on the golf course. Most often, these strangers became friends, which meant that Ann and Walker had friends all over the world. They also traveled to many countries in which they did not play golf. They had a great time together.

Ann wanted to make the world a better place. When she saw litter, she stopped to pick it up. She was the kind of person who returned the grocery cart. If she saw someone in distress, she stopped to see if she could help. She recycled glass bottles before recycling was cool. She had an uncanny way of making people feel seen. She is the reason so many of the girls’ friends wanted to be the “fourth Uhlhorn sister.” She listened, and she loved. Her love was the kind that could make you believe in yourself.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Harborchase of Germantown for all the care and extra attention.

Ann will be deeply missed by her husband of 65 years, Walker S. Uhlhorn, Jr.; daughters Ashley Fricano (Dave), Pearson Crutcher (Kelly) and Taylor Laird (David), and grandchildren, Katie, Ripley, Walker, Anna, Carter, Griffin, and James. Ann was preceded in death by her parents, Jennette and James Harry Taylor, and brother, John Ripley Taylor. She is survived by her sister, Mary Sullivan (George).

Visitation will be 10:30 – 11:30 AM Wednesday March 27, 2024 at the Church of the Holy Communion in Cheney Parrish Hall, followed by Service at 11:30 in the sanctuary.

The family requests that Memorials be made to MIFA Meals on Wheels, Women’s Exchange of Memphis or the charity of the donor’s choice.