Ann Robertson

Ann Robertson, 71, transitioned peacefully April 2, 2021 at Abe's Garden, Nashville, TN.Ann worked tirelessly on behalf of Nashville's children and teachers. She began her Nashville teaching career at McKissack MS in 1972 where she made life-long friends who partied, traveled and cared for each other in good times and sad times. Her Motown friend-family rallied around her throughout her life. She spent most of career at Bass MS, later teaching at Shwab ES and retired in 2009 from Rose Park MS.During her teaching career, she was active in Metropolitan Nashville Education Association, serving in many leadership roles including President and Chief Negotiator. While in these leadership roles, Ann was instrumental in securing air conditioning in the schools and lead the bargaining team when the largest salary increase was negotiated for Metro Nashville teachers.Ann continued her mission to improve teaching and learning conditions for teachers and students on the state and national levels. She served as President of the Tennessee Education Association, and on the National Education Association Board of Directors.Ann loved children and teaching. When friends were out with Ann, it was not unusual to hear someone yell out "Ms. Robertson!" and see a former student run to greet her. She organized and helped raise money to take Bass MS 8 ^th graders to Washington, D.C. for many years. She knew these trips would create life-long memories for her students. She had a great sense of humor and an infectious laugh.Ann was the first baby born in 1950 in Levelland,Texas. She spent her early years there, later moving to Nashville. She returned Levelland to live with her beloved grandparents Ikey-boy and Nanny Osborne while earning her teaching degree.Ann was a selfless person. She helped others whenever she saw a need. If someone approached her in a parking lot saying they needed money for their family, Ann would give them any money she had. Sometimes, she would watch the person walk to the nearest liquor store and spend her money. But Ann never had regrets for her gift. She told her friends "This is what I am called to do for others". Ann supported her niece and sister when Terri became ill and had a heart transplant. In later years, when her parents' health failed, she taught all week and then spent the entire weekend caring for them until their deaths.Ann was preceded in death by her father, James Robertson, mother, Bonita Jo Robertson Bohanan, her stepfather, Jim Bohanan, and her sister, Terri Hodges. She is survived by her niece, Amanda Courtright, and great nieces, Aleah Tolbert and Amaya Foster.During the last 4 years, Ann received excellent, loving care at Abe's Garden. She enjoyed music and art as well as spending time in the beautiful garden. Her friend-family appreciates the care and attention freely given by all the staff at Abe's Garden. Memorials in memory of Ann Robertson may be made to Abe's Garden, 115 Woodmont Blvd, Nashville TN 37205-2280.A Celebration of Ann's life will be announced later.