Roper Funeral Home and Crematory 206 Holly St Jasper, GA 30143 (706) 253-7500 (706) 253-0040 www.roperfuneralhome.com Deloris Ann Wilson passed away peacefully on September 23, 2024. Her later years were complicated and riddled with health issues. But, true to her nature, she persevered. The simplest of daily tasks often ended in a struggle and a true test of her will. In the end, she fought the inevitable with pure strength, courage and determination. Ann left this world on her terms and not a moment before she was ready. She was born Deloris Ann Mullins on August 3,1940. Her parents, Hattie and Clarence Mullins lived a simple life in the Appalachian Mountains of Eastern Kentucky. She was the youngest of four girls and a true coal miners daughter. Appalachian living can be hard for many to understand. It is a way of living that never leaves your memory. It is woven tight into the so-called fabric of your life, it penetrates your soul and lives silently inside you like black lung resides in a miner. It's always there. Quiet, but ever so present. You either choose to live with it, embrace it or let it kill you. Ann chose to embrace it and used it to fuel her fight in life. She graduated from London High School in 1958. By all accounts she was popular, well-liked and ambitious during high school. She excelled as a basketball cheerleader, participated in Girls State, student government and was Editor of her school newspaper. She also proudly served as Miss Laurel County prior to graduating from high school. Ann briefly attended Sue Bennett College in Kentucky where she studied Business Administration. In late 1958 her family moved to Florida. She landed her first job in Orlando, FL with Minute Maid Corporation at the young age of 18. Her proficiency in the art of shorthand was legendary. She married twice during her life, in 1959 and 1978. In 1976 she moved to metro Atlanta with her two children. Ann worked in the construction industry for 43 years. For many of those years she worked as an executive assistant to a project manager for Batson-Cook of Atlanta. It was her happiest and most fulfilling job. In 1994, she was employed by Reid & Reid, a family owned grading company in Cumming where she worked until 2004. Again, a job she loved and found very rewarding. In 2004 a diagnosis of early stage breast cancer prompted an early retirement. However, it was short-lived. In 2006, she built her own home and moved to Jasper. She rejoined the workforce and again worked for several construction related companies in Jasper until 2021. At the age of 81 she was forced to finally retire after a vehicle accident left her unable to safely drive. Ann never liked down time, so rest never came easy. She kept herself busy caring for her home and spoiling her beloved pets, Tootsie, Dixie and Tilly. She enjoyed gardening, painting crafts, restoring antiques, sewing, flower arranging and a good honest days work. If she could've chosen her last meal, without a doubt it would've included fried chicken livers, fried okra, fresh green beans, cornbread and a slice of pound cake. She had a very small circle of friends. Most friends were acquired through work and work related activities. She served on the HOA board of her former neighborhood and loved keeping her neighbors on their toes. She took pride in decorating the front entrance of her neighborhood every year at Christmas. Her front door was always graced with a seasonal wreath. She is survived by her two children, Becky Law (Roger) of Blue Ridge and Ken Barber, Jr. of Darlington, South Carolina; five grandchildren, Whitney Law (Ronnie), Rachel Law, Chelsea Mattox (Ryan), Savannah Barber, Derek Summerville (Adrienne) and five great-grandchildren, Emerson, Olivia, Amelia, Oliver and Elizabeth. Ann's family would like to thank the dedicated staff at Grandview Health Center in Jasper for their support and kindness during the last year of her life. From the physical therapy team, nurses, aides, kitchen and laundry staff, maintenance crew to the front office, we thank you and appreciate all you do for the residents that reside and/or rehab at your facility. We know you will miss Miss Deloris' spice and energy. There will only be one "Miss Independent." Lastly, to the medical staff and aides of Traditions Health Hospice, we applaud your dedication to the care of patients in their final days. It is a job that requires a special kind of angel on Earth. "Thank you" cannot express enough the respect you so deserve. It was her wish to have no service. If you are moved to donate to a charity on her behalf, please consider a pet rescue of your choosing. "For I am the Lord your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you." Isaiah 41:13