Ann Whitten Gillenwater

February 11, 1945 - November 14, 2018

Ann Whitten Gillenwater, age 73 of Bristol, VA passed away peacefully Wednesday, November 14, 2018 in Oakmont at Gordon Park surrounded by her family and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, James Cloyd and Elizabeth Ann Flanagan Whitten. She was a graduate of Virginia High School Class of 1963 and Mary Baldwin College Class of 1968. She was an integral leader in the forming of the Beaver Creek Walk and Believe in Bristol which lead to the re-development of downtown Bristol. She was very involved in Journey’s End and Border Bash. In addition she was a member of the Border Guild of Bristol which became Junior League of Bristol where she received the Sue Shawl Memorial Award in 2005. Ann was also a member of the Blue Stocking Club and the Garden Club. She was very active in the community, serving on various boards including Appalachian School of Law and The Paramount Center for the Arts. She was a master gardener, artist and had many talents and passions. She was a member of Emmanuel Episcopal Church. Ann loved to travel with her husband all over the world visiting friends. Survivors include her husband of 40 years, John K. Gillenwater; daughter, Kenan Gillenwater; son, J. J. Gillenwater and wife Stephanie; and beloved granddaughter, Whitten Gillenwater. The family would like to thank the staff of Oakmont at Gordon Park and Caris Hospice for their loving care and support. A celebration of life will be conducted 2:00 -4:00 P.M., Sunday November 18, 2018 at The Bristol Hotel, 115 Country Music Way, Bristol, VA 24201. In lieu of flowers, please support downtown Bristol this holiday season. Condolences and memories may be left for the family at akardfuneralhome.com Akard Funeral Home, (423) 989-4800 is serving the Gillenwater family.