Obituary of Ann Vawter Haynes

Ann Vawter Haynes, a lifelong Fort Worth resident, died peacefully Friday, December 30, 2022. Born January 27, 1950, Ann was the second of six children to Jack and Nonie Vawter. Ann will be remembered for her boundless energy, her generous spirit, her creative flair, and her warm heart. She was the consummate party planner and historian for her family and friends.

Ann attended Holy Name of Jesus and graduated from R.L.Paschal High School in 1968. At Paschal, she was a member of the Phylades and formed life-long friendships cemented by trips to Benbrook Lake with Ain’t No Mountain High Enough playing on repeat as they drove. Friendships were a central and important thread in Ann’s life. She took true joy in celebrating and supporting those around her. Many of Ann’s friendships sprang from her work, first as a legal secretary, then as administrative support at General Dynamics, and later at Gabberts. Gabberts is where her passion for decorating and design fully blossomed. Through the years, she helped countless friends and customers hang art and create beautiful spaces for their families to enjoy. She was an expert shopper, especially when it came to choosing just the right accessory for a home or finding classic, flattering clothes—with bonus points if they had pockets! Ann was resourceful. She had a knack for making the most of what she had on hand and always making sure there was enough to go around. The other central theme of Ann’s rich, full life was her enduring love of entertaining, without cooking. She looked forward to all the celebrations and traditions with her groups of friends like birthday lunches and bridge groups. She even helped form one special bridge group that has continued getting together since 1975. 

She is survived by her daughter, Heather Haynes Smith, PhD and son-in-law Bryan of San Antonio, her son Preston Haynes of Brewster County, TX, and her grandchildren Aden Jack Smith and Peyton Haynes Tenorio. She is also survived by siblings Jack Vawter and wife Becky of Denton, TX, Scott Vawter and wife Glynell of Brady, TX, Jane Ethredge of Houston, TX, and Mary Ownbey and husband Terry of Crowley, TX; sisters-in-law Heather Haynes McGee and husband Toby of Oklahoma City, OK and Laurie Haynes of Sebastopol, CA; cousins and extended family in Louisiana, Tennessee, and Georgia, and the many, many nieces, nephews, their children and her friends and their families. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister, Sue Vawter Huffman, and the love of her life, Barry Jenkins.

A celebration of Ann’s life will be held on her birthdate, January 27th, from 4:00-7:00. Please visit this link to let us know if you can join us and for the address. https://sites.google.com/view/annvawterhaynes