Ann Bolton McGill Morrow

ann morrow

August 8, 1952 ~ February 9, 2018


Resided in: Asheville, North Carolina

Ann Bolton (McGill) Morrow passed away suddenly at the age of 65 on February 9, 2018, at her home in her beloved Asheville, NC. Ann was born on August 8, 1952 to Earl and Mildred (Bolton) McGill in Alton, IL. Both of her parents were educators in Alton. Earl, a musician and choral leader, cultivated her love of music, especially Jazz, Classical and Opera. Both of her parents taught her to value the opportunities that can come from a strong educational background. Ann attended boarding school in Saint Charles, MO, at the Academy of the Sacred Heart class of 1970. Over the years, she maintained lifelong relationships with several her Sacred Heart classmates and was instrumental in planning the 40th and 45th class reunions. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Loretto Heights College, in Denver, CO. In 1971, she married Stanley Morrow and gave birth to a daughter, Christen Ann Morrow, in 1974. In 1978, she earned a master’s degree in Urban Planning from Washington University in St. Louis, MO. Upon completion of graduate school, she moved to Chicago, IL, and landed a prestigious job with Real Estate Research Corporation (RERC). From there she worked for SBC (formerly lllinois Bell and Ameritech), managing the company’s Midwest real-estate portfolio. During the 1980’s and 90’s she was an active member and past president of Commercial Real Estate Executive Women of Chicago (CREW Chicago). In the next phase of her career she became a commercial real estate broker and worked for several companies before branching out on her own. Along with her partner, Steven Oubre, they created the company ProCision, Inc. Upon moving to Asheville, NC, in 2014 she considered resuming commercial brokerage, but decided on a slower pace and eventually took a part-time position with the North Carolina Arboretum. This job was near and dear to her heart with beautiful grounds, hiking trails, horticulture classes and many staff members whom she grew to know as friends. Ann’s life’s work wasn’t real estate, but instead was the engagement in passionate action towards creating a meaningful life. This work started in the 1980’s and 90’s with participation in the personal growth movement, through Lifespring and Understanding Yourself and Others courses. Upon arrival in Asheville, she dove into Shambhala Buddhism with exuberance and purpose, quickly taking on leadership roles. She also took full advantage of social media platforms and met many people through that medium. In Asheville, she also became part of an anti-racism project called ‘Building Bridges.’ After a brief time, she became a small group facilitator. She was well regarded for her energy and activism by the Shambhala community and the Building Bridges participants. Ann had many hobbies during her life. She dabbled in sky diving, cross country skiing, and biking tours in her 20’s and 30’s. She also loved Jazz music and was a Jazz DJ for WHPK, the University of Chicago radio station. During her stint as Jazz Format Chief, she started the Annual WHPK 88.5 FM Jazz Format Black History Month Celebration of Jazz, "Our Gift to the World,” a celebration of live Jazz music during Black History Month. She was a collector of art, antiques and fine furnishings. She was also a purveyor of antiques with a presence on Ebay.com for years and in two local antique malls. At the time of her death, she had plans to launch her own line of beaded jewelry, a craft that she had been working on for several years. Ann was preceded in death by her parents, Earl McGill, Jr. and Mildred (Bolton) McGill, her Aunt Dorthella (McGill) Moss Williams, and her Uncle Melvin Bolton. She is survived by her longtime partner of 16 years, Steven Oubre; her daughter, Christen Morrow, MD; her dog, Ayla; and numerous loving and precious cousins, including the following in her cohort: Rubianna Porter, Ed. D., Maxine Newsome, PhD, Mary Louise Schaefer-Binion, DDS, Patricia Horton, Ronnie Bolton, Mary Bolton, and Jimmy Bolton. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Asheville Shambhala Center, 60 North Merrimon Avenue, Suite #113 Asheville, North Carolina 28804, phone: (828) 200-5120, and email: shambhalaashvl@gmail.com. A Remembrance Service will be held in Asheville, NC, on Saturday, February 24, 2018. Please contact Groce Funeral Home on Patton Ave., (828) 252-3535.

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  1. We are sorry to learn of Ann’s passing. We live a few houses from her. The first time we met her was at one of our community picnics. We will miss seeing her walk her dog each day. Sincerely, Cynthia and Robert Reeves

  2. Ann was always a bright light in the room. Her personality was full of quick wit and intelligence as well as generosity and kindness for others. She inspired me in our brief friendship and I always appreciated her excellent style and bright laugh. I feel lucky to have known her! My heart goes out to her daughter who she was so proud of and her partner Steven.

  3. I only knew Ann briefly. She help train me as a volunteer at the NC Arboretum. We shared some great conversations, a connection to Chicago, and some heartfelt hugs. What a sweet and lovely woman.

  4. Ann was an amazing lady and a wonderful person. She will be greatly missed by all of us whose lives she enriched.

  5. Ann was a high school classmate, and I believe we all will miss her spark and enthusiasm. She was inspiring on face book and always fun at the reunions. I even listened to her DJ on the Jazz radio station and knew she was loving life. My sincere condolence to Christen, Steven and family.

  6. I was fortunate to meet Ann and get to know her at the Arboretum Information Desk. Although I’ve known her only briefly, I know she was a special person and I am sorry for our loss.

  7. Ann gave me a ‘big ole hug’ one day at The Arboretum. It made me feel so special to be thought of so kindly.

  8. I was inspired by reading Ann’s life story and I wish to express my condolences to you. May the many happy memories you shared together be a source of comfort to you in the days ahead. And may you find hope in God’s promise to soon reverse ‘all tears, mourning, pain and even death’ Rev. 21:4. Better times are just around the corner under God’s Kingdom…the instrument that will allow God’s ‘will to be done on earth’ Matt. 6:9,10. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you.

  9. I so enjoyed working with Ann at the Arboretum. She inspired us all with her positive attitude and full of life spirit. She will be missed.

  10. This world has lost a beautiful soul and I have lost a friend. A powerful presence of grace and dignity but most of all kindness. I am forever grateful that our paths crossed. I will miss the insight I gained from our conversations. I do and will miss her.

  11. I always enjoyed having Ann working at the Baker information desk when I volunteered and the interesting discussions we had. I will miss seeing her.

  12. I will miss Ann, dearly….we shared many special conversations together…..it was always a joy to see her at the Arboretum…she had that special warm glow about her that we will all miss…..on a lighter side, she was also a ‘Prince’?, fan. I remember how shocked she was at his passing, just as, now, we are at hers…

  13. I remember each moment that I spent with Anne. She was smart, lovely, and absolutely fabulous! I will miss her. The world lost a great person!

  14. Ann was such a special person! She was open, friendly and caring. I always felt better when I was with her. She was so smart and competent’?and always interested in you..
    I feel honored to have known her.

  15. Ann was a wonderful inspiration and motivation to all of us in her years at Sacred Heart. I count myself lucky to have been her classmate. There was a positive force of energy and love in her that made it a pleasure to be around her. Glad that social media made it possible for us to remain in touch over the years and the distance. My sympathies to Christen, Steven and all the family. She will be greatly missed!

  16. I am so sorry for your loss. May the God of all comfort strengthen you for the days a head. Know that caring thoughts are with you. That ‘He heals the brokenhearted; He binds up their wounds, that’s found at Psalm 147:3.

  17. Family, so sorry to hear of Ann passing, she was quite a lady. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.


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