Ann Newberry Ariail, 82, of Climax, passed away Monday, May 25, 2026.
The celebration of life service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at Climax Methodist Church with Rev. Charles Whatley, Rev. Lynn Hurley and Harold Hemmingway officiating. Interment will follow at Cedar Grove Cemetery with Ann’s children, grandchildren, and nephew serving as active pallbearers.
The family will receive friends immediately following the service. Online visitors may sign the guest register at www.bryantfuneralga.com. Memorial donations may be made to: Climax Methodist Church, PO Box 96, Climax, GA 39834; The ALS Association, 1919 University Ave W. Suite 175, St. Paul, MN 55104 www.als.org/donate or Walk to End Alzheimer’s, 1030 Boxwood Drive, Bainbridge, GA 39819.
Glenda Ann Newberry was born June 17, 1943, in Whigham, GA, the daughter of Walter & Hilda Cox Newberry. She was a graduate of Whigham High School, attended Chipola Jr. College, and earned her bachelor’s degree from Georgia Southern. Ann was a faithful member of Climax Methodist Church.
Ann spent most of her life in Southwest Georgia, though military service with her husband carried them to several duty stations over the years. No matter where life took her, she built community through kindness, faith, and service. She devoted many years to teaching second and third grade students at schools in Fort Benning, Albany, and Whigham, encouraging generations of children with patience and care. An avid reader, she also gave her time to the local library board, serving both as a member and later as chairman.
Ann’s faith and church family were central to her life. She served as a Methodist lay speaker and taught Sunday school for many years, in addition to being a hospice volunteer and working with the ALS Foundation. Ann believed in enjoying life fully. She rode motorcycles and “rallied” with fellow bikers, swam and exercised with her beloved “Yada Yada” group, and prepared Southern meals that brought family and friends together around her table. Ann held firm to her convictions, never wavering on her commitment to what she thought was right.
Survivors include her children, Lt. Col. Tom Ariail (Ret.), Chip & Lisa Ariail, Scott & Anda Ariail, and Pat & Audie Ariail; her grandchildren, Isabella, Madeline, Amaia, Ovella, Isa, Gauis, Bella, and Danny; her siblings, Carolyn Palmer and Howard & Nellie Newberry; her brother-in-law, Ronald Harrison; and a host of extended family. In addition to her parents, Ann was preceded in death by her husband of 32 years, Lt. Col. Doyce W. Ariail, Jr. (Ret.), and her sister, Jean Harrison.
Bryant Funeral Home, located at 105 N. Florida Street, is assisting the family with arrangements. (229-246-3321)
