Ann Oden Lessig, "Nini," a deeply beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend to many, passed away peacefully in Huntsville, Alabama, on May 2, 2026, at the age of 100, surrounded by the enduring love of her family. She was the quiet embodiment of kindness, grace, and selflessness.

Born on May 15, 1925, in Houston, Texas, Ann lived a life defined by service, humility, and a steadfast devotion to others. At a time when few women pursued higher education, she earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Texas at Austin, where she was a proud Tri-Delta and built the foundation for a life of purpose and generosity.

During World War II, she served at the Pentagon as a secretary, contributing to the war effort with quiet strength and unwavering dedication. She later devoted decades of service to Wichita General Hospital/United Regional Health Care System and No One Dies Alone (NODA), where her compassion, reliability, and gentle presence touched countless lives. She also gave generously of her time to Interfaith Ministries, the P.E.O. Sisterhood, and National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (N.S.D.A.R.)—continuing her volunteer service well into her 90s and always placing the needs of others before her own.

A woman of deep and abiding faith, Ann was instrumental in helping establish Vienna Baptist Church in Vienna, Virginia, leaving a lasting spiritual legacy. She served as the church organist and, years later, after returning to Texas, continued to share her love of music by playing handbells and piano at First Presbyterian Church in Wichita Falls.

Ann found joy in life's simple, meaningful pleasures—sewing, knitting, needlepoint, gardening, genealogy, music, her Sunday School class, and voracious reading. She was happiest with a book in hand and cherished time spent reading and playing games with her family, instilling in them a lifelong love of learning and togetherness.

Above all, she was the heart and steady center of her family. She was a constant source of boundless, unconditional love to her children and grandchildren, as well as to those who came to know her as a mother or grandmother in spirit. Her legacy lives through the generations she inspired, many of whom carry forward her example through meaningful, patriotic service, education, and volunteerism.

To know Ann was to be quietly cared for and deeply loved. Her gentle strength, generous heart, and unwavering presence were gifts to all who knew her, and her memory will continue to guide and comfort those she leaves behind.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Army World War II veteran and B-17 pilot Capt. Joseph Watson Lessig; her mother, Lenore Young Oden; her father, Clarence Eley Oden; sisters Minnette Oden Noble and Lenore Oden; granddaughter Clara Jo "CJ" Lessig; brother-in-law George Coleman Lessig, and his wife, Martha Maer Lessig.

She is lovingly remembered and survived by her children, Lenore Veresh (Michael) and Joseph Lessig (Marilyn); her grandchildren, Laura Lind (Charles), Andrea Veresh, and Zachary Lessig (Kylene); great grandchildren, Megan Lind, Henry Lind, Anica Lind (Wendell), and Alex Lind (fiancée, Jiayi "JW" Lee), Aniah Lessig and Zayden Lessig; and nieces and nephews Paige Arnup (Brendon) and Brian Lessig (Andrea), Mindy Cusenbary (Melton), and the many family members and friends who loved her deeply.

A small graveside service will be held in Texas; the family is grateful for all the love and support from those who knew her.

For those desiring, in lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorials be made to the Presbyterian Manor of Wichita Falls Good Samaritan Fund; Maple Hill Chapter N.S.D.A.R.; or a charity of your choice.