Ann R. DeVane

Ann (Rowley) DeVane of Atlantic Beach, Florida, passed away peacefully with family by her side on November 6, 2026.

Ann was born to Virginia Forman Rowley and Gayle Rowley March 21, 1937, in Kentucky and moved as a young child to Jacksonville Beach, FL. Growing up was special at the beach, making many life-long friends. Ann graduated from Fletcher High School in 1955. She was a member of the National Honor Society, Captain of the Cheerleading Squad, Homecoming Queen and voted Most Popular during her senior year. She married Richard W DeVane, FHS ‘52 in 1959, beginning a wonderful 64 years of love and partnership.

Richard’s naval service took them to Connecticut, Idaho, and Virginia. His professional career led to new experiences and homes in Puerto Rico, Simsbury, CT, and McLean, VA, with a short training period in Paris. Wherever the family lived, Ann made the house a home. Ann and Richard traveled within the United States and abroad. They moved full-time back to the beach upon retirement, residing in Atlantic Beach. Their return back home provided them with time to make more wonderful memories with old friends and extended family.

Ann was a devoted wife and mother, taking pride in her home and finding joy in caring for her family. She was a smart woman with an amazing memory for family history. She treasured handmade items and beautiful china pieces received from people special to her and the places she had visited in her travels. Ann set up a display of Byers Carolers at Christmastime in the lobby of their building at Fleet Landing for all to enjoy. Ann knew how to add a special touch to everything she did.

She was a voracious reader, played tennis and bridge, and in her later years enjoyed watching a variety of sporting events on television.

Ann’s grandchildren were always excited to vacation at “The Beach House”. They have many fond memories of Grandmama reading to them, time playing at the beach and pool, jigsaw puzzles and shopping sprees. There was mutual love and admiration between Ann and her grandkids.

Ann was predeceased by her beloved husband, Richard and her siblings Joe Rowley, Sharon Daubenberger and Nancy Taylor. Her legacy lives on through her children: son Richard Alan DeVane and his wife Vivian of Jacksonville, son John Gary DeVane of Simsbury, CT and daughter Elizabeth DeVane Driscoll of Simsbury, CT. She treasured her time with her grandchildren Brandon, Cassadi, Jonathan(Haley), and Jackson DeVane; Carlynn (Doc) Redman, Trent, Ryan and Kylie DeVane; and Katelyn, Meghan and John Driscoll. She was so pleased to become a great-grandmother with the births of Onnis, Elliana, and Oakley. Ann leaves behind several nieces and nephews, with a special bond and support from niece Melissa Robbins of Atlantic Beach.

A memorial service will be held at Christ United Methodist Church in Neptune Beach at 11 am on Friday, November 20, 2026. Burial will be private at the H. Warren Smith Cemetery in Jacksonville Beach, FL. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations be made to Ann’s church, Christ United Methodist Church at 400 Penman Road, Neptune Beach, FL 32266, or BEAM at 850 6th Ave South, Suite 400 Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250.