Willie Ann Horton

Willie Ann Minor was born to Willie Mae Deramus and Curtis Faulkner on January 24, 1951, in Prattville, Alabama (her parents preceded her in death). Willie Mae gave birth to Albert “Sweet Al” and Willie Ann. Ann passed away suddenly on June 12, 2024, after a long health battle.

She was affectionately known as Ann, Ann Swan, and Annie Mae Pearl.

Ann accepted Christ as her savior and was baptized at an early age. She faithfully attended New Faith Missionary Baptist Church for decades. She held several positions including Sunday School Teacher, Sunday School Superintendent, and she was also a member of the Choir. If you know anything about Ann, you know she was a lover of God and gospel music. Everyone loved eating her turkey dressing at all the church and family gatherings. In her spare time, she loved to travel, shop, visit the casino, and play bid wiz. 

She met her sweetheart, Kenneth Horton in 1973 and later married on May 29, 1976. To this union two children were born, Kenneth Steven and Andrea Renee. Ann’s heart overflowed with love for her two children.

Ann left Prattville, Alabama and arrived on the southside of Chicago, Illinois at 15 years old. She completed her high school education at Parker High School in Chicago. Ann spent her professional career working at General Mills until 1995. Then she became a secretary at the Alumni office at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC). She eventually retired from UIC in 2009 after a few years of dedicated service.

She battled and conquered numerous health issues over the years. During 2008 she had a quadruple bypass, but that did not stop her desire to live. On June 12, 2024, she completed her mission and took her last breath surrounded by family.

Ann leaves to cherish her loving memory: her beloved husband of 48 years, Kenneth Horton, her son Kenneth (Theresa); daughter, Andrea; her brother Albert “Lenell” Minor; mother-in-law Bernadine Horton; Brothers-in-law: Freddie (Jeanie), Mark (Felicia), Wiley III (Laura), and Stevie; Sisters-in-Law:  Ann, Beatrice, Felicia, Michelle (Cornielus), Valerie, Deatrice (Gerald), Renee (Thomas); Uncle Robert Minor; Special Cousins:  Yolanda Deramus and Bobbie Jean; a special Posse Group of friends Vera, Jean, Lottie, Addie, Sam, and Mamie and Golden Girl Birthday Club.  A host of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews will miss her deeply.

Ann’s presence touched the lives of so many, and her memory will be cherished by those who were fortune enough to know her. She now rests in eternal peace until the appointed time. 

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