Brenda Ann Haynes Parker, 78, known as Ann to her friends and Ganna to her grandchildren, died on Friday, May 1. She was born on October 24, 1947, in Decatur, Georgia, to Ann Elizabeth Haynes and William Armstrong Haynes.

She is survived by her husband, Bill Parker; her brother, Ted Haynes; her children, Christi Kasha, Matt Kent, and Scott Kent; their spouses, Terry Kasha, Emily Kent, and Denise Kent; her stepchildren, Tracy Polk and Rhonda Moorefield Parker; and her grandchildren, Ansley, Faith, and Kylee Kasha; Owen and Sam Kent; Alma and Alisher Kent; and Chad Harrell.

Ann started her own business and treated her employees like family. She loved cooking, music, stories, animals, birds, flowers, and much more. She was an enthusiast. Her life overflowed with curiosity, admiration, and appreciation. She met the world with wonder.

She may have been teased for being habitually late, but she was also habitually generous with her attention and time. People felt safe enough to be vulnerable in her presence. Her long phone conversations were a remedy for many. She was a trusted confidant to lifelong friends, perfect strangers, and the occasional checkout clerk.

She leaves behind a family bound, not only by blood, but in love, and shaped by her spirit and her deep devotion. She taught us to show up for one another, to listen, to stay curious, and to generously give and receive with open arms. The love she gave will ripple out in an ever widening circle from those she touched.

Encircled by her beloved husband, children, and grandchildren, she took leave of this world as she had lived in it: thanking those she loved for a life of blessings, gratitude, and love.

Services will be held at 12 pm on Tuesday, May 5, at Marietta Funeral and Crematory, 915 Piedmont Road, Marietta, GA 30066