Anne Henniss, 89, died comfortably at her home in St. Elmo on April 8, 2025, cared for by her loving children in her final weeks.
She was born in Hackensack, NJ in 1935, the only child of the late Henry Peake Gilbert of Carlowville, Alabama, and Alpha Daniel Gilbert of Atlanta, Georgia.
Anne graduated with a major in English from Agnes Scott College, and later received a MPA from UT Chattanooga, anchoring her 20+ year career in the Social Services and Assisted Housing fields, where she focussed on homeless issues, welfare-to-work programs, and supportive housing.
Professional positions included Director of Planning and Administration at Family and Children’s Services, Director of Planning and Housing at Chattanooga Neighborhood Enterprise, and Senior Planner for Metropolitan Council for Community Services. Volunteer activities included board membership for Fortwood Center, the Homeless Coalition, Westside Community Development Corporation, Family Promise, and the Chattanooga Housing Authority.
Before her social services career, she and her husband John T. Henniss embraced public education for their two children in the wake of the 1971 court-ordered busing decree, despite pressure from many of their white contemporaries who sent their kids to private schools. The commitment to public education in particular, and social justice more generally, was central in shaping the lives and values of her children, and has touched the lives of many friends and work associates.
Ever an avid reader, Anne was a founding member of a book group that has met (and continues to meet) monthly for over 60 years. Also a lover of classical music, for many years she had season tickets to the Chattanooga Symphony, and she listened daily to the classical broadcasting from WSMC.
Anne is survived by her daughter, Kathryn and her partner Laurie Benson, of Redwood City, California, her son Bruce and his wife Karrie and son Jeremy, of Columbus, Ohio.
She was a loving and beloved member of Thankful Memorial Episcopal Church, where her funeral will be held at 3 p.m. on Thursday, June 5, followed by a reception in the nearby parish hall. Donations in her memory may be made to the United Negro College Fund.