Ann Taylor Gribble Barnett, devoted wife, loving mother and grandmother, gifted musician, dedicated teacher, and cherished member of the Denton community, passed away October 15 after suffering a fractured hip while also being treated for Alzheimer’s Disease. She was 92. 

Born the youngest of five children on March 14, 1934 in Nacogdoches to Charles and Madge Gribble, Ann quickly discovered a passion for piano and organ, instruments she would play and teach for most of her life. While receiving bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music education from North Texas, she served as organist for St. Andrew Presbyterian Church in Denton. An offhand remark to Rev. John Marvin proved prophetic, and provided a piece of Barnett family lore. After performing for a wedding, Ann asked Rev. Marvin if he’d officiate her ceremony someday. He gave his tongue-in-cheek commitment: “I’d love to, and the associate pastor would make a fine groom.” Ann had barely spoken to newly hired Prentice Barnett at this point, much less gone on a date. The following June they were married, with Rev. Marvin officiating. In 63 years their union produced five children, 12 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. 

Ann’s third and final church organist job lasted 52 years at Trinity Presbyterian Church. She was a founding member of the Denton Women’s Interracial Fellowship, which contributed significantly to the peaceful desegregation of Denton ISD in the 1960s. A Denton resident for nearly 75 years, her warmth, sense of humor and love of music helped create a home where family and friends could gather, feel welcome, and share in life’s joys. 

She served as a volunteer with Meals on Wheels, Denton Christian Preschool, PTA, and was past president of Sigma Alpha Iota alumnae. 

Ann’s legacy lives on in the generations of family she nurtured, the students she taught, the music she shared, and the community she helped shape. She will be remembered with love and gratitude by all who had the privilege of knowing her. 

She is survived by a daughter, Claire Batey and her husband Lyndal of Denton; and four sons: Dave, of Denton; John and his wife Niki of Rockwall; Jim and his wife Michelle of Phoenix, Arizona; and Mike and his wife Bekah of Denton. 

Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Thursday, October 22, 2026 at DeBerry Funeral Directors. Ann will be laid to rest at Roselawn Memorial Park at 10:00 AM on Friday, October 23, 2026. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 25 at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Denton.