Ann Coleman McAfee

Ann Coleman McAfee, affectionately known as Annie, went home to Jesus on July 5, 2026, her 88th birthday. Born on her beloved grandparents' farm in Dinwiddie County, Virginia, Annie's deep connection to her birthplace remained a steady presence throughout her life. It was there that she learned the values of hard work, faith, love, and humility. After graduating from Longwood College, Annie pursued her first career as a teacher in Virginia Beach, where she met the love of her life, Naval aviator Robert (Bob) McAfee. Shortly after meeting, their love for one another led them to their first of many adventures - a leap of faith that brought them to Rome, Italy. There, on June 29, 1963, they were married, beginning a love and friendship that would last a lifetime. Together, Annie and Bob embraced life's joys and challenges with grace. Throughout their Navy and airline years, they seized opportunities to see the world, always supporting one another through every new adventure. After navigating the first chapters of their life together - deployments, extensive travel, cross-country moves, raising three children, and so much more - they eventually settled into their forever home in Jacksonville, Florida. It was here in Northeast Florida that they raised their family, built a business, and made lifelong friends, side by side. It did not take long before Annie and Bob became more than members of the community they loved. They became a part of its foundation, deeply rooted and intricately woven into the lives of those around them. A wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, friend, and mentor, Annie McAfee was exceptional. She possessed many remarkable gifts that undeniably set her apart from the rest. She was equally generous with those gifts; if you'd spoken to her once or have known her for years, you've experienced her warmth. Annie created a sense of belonging wherever she went. She could talk to anyone, and anyone could talk to her. Annie found joy in celebrating people. Whether gathering for a holiday, commemorating a birthday, or turning an ordinary day into a treasured memory, her magnetic nature drew people in. While always honoring precious traditions, she eagerly welcomed new ones, believing there was always a reason to come together. A wonderful cook, her kitchen was the heart of her home. She expressed her love through thoughtfully prepared meals and always had room at her table for everyone. It wasn't unusual for Annie to invite everyone over for dinner and then be the last one to arrive. She had probably run into someone she knew and stopped to catch up, or made one final trip for that "must-have" ingredient. Her guests never minded because they knew that was simply Annie. She lived life one conversation at a time, giving each person her complete attention. When you were with Annie, you felt like there was nowhere else she would rather be. Though small in stature, there was nothing small about her heart. She filled every room with her radiant presence, and made all who were around her feel important, comfortable, and loved. With an adventurous spirit, Annie cherished time on the water with her husband and family. Whether cruising to every continent, family trips to the Abacos, or joyrides on the St. Johns River, making memories on a boat was something she held close to her heart. Even into her 80s, Annie handled lines without hesitation, embracing life fully and never allowing age to define what she could do. REMAX Specialists, the company she and Bob built together, stood as one of her greatest enduring passions. More than anything, Annie believed in people. She could see beyond what others could see in themselves and always recognized who they could become. Encouraging everyone to dream bigger, Annie stood firmly in their corner and found her greatest fulfillment in watching them grow. What began as a workplace naturally evolved into something far greater: a family. The legacy Annie leaves behind cannot be measured. It is a reflection of a life lived with generosity, unconditional love, and faith. Her legacy lives on not only in the business she built, but the people she built up. The imprint of Annie's life will remain on each of us, as we will strive forever to follow her example. Above all, Annie deeply loved her family. She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Robert; her children, Matthew (Seana), Michael (Susie), and Katherine (Nathan); her 10 devoted grandchildren, Gage, Mandy (Tucker), Drew, Stuart, Annie, Kevin, Mack, Joe, Robert, and Isaac; her sister-in-law, Marilyn (Gerry); her nieces, Toni and Tammy (Alan); her precious caretaker and friend, Concho (Fred); and many dear friends. A celebration of Annie will be held on Tuesday, July 21 at 11:00 AM at St. Mark's Episcopal Church. A reception will immediately follow at Timuquana Country Club, where family, friends, and all whose hearts were touched by Annie are warmly invited to gather, to celebrate, and to share stories of our sweet Annie. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to St. Mark's Episcopal Church, a place of faith and community that Annie loved so dearly. In honor of Annie, we encourage everyone to do what she did so effortlessly. Welcome someone new. Linger a little longer in conversation. And always lead with love. There is no greater tribute to the extraordinary life she lived.

Ann Coleman McAfee

July 5, 1938 - July 5, 2026