Flags on the Alabama State Capitol grounds and in Mobile County are at half-mast all day Friday in honor of former State Senator Ann Bedsole.

She died December 1st at age 95.

Services for Bedsole are Friday, December 5th at 2 p.m. at Mobile’s Dauphin Way United Methodist Church followed by a visitation there.

Despite overcast weather, a diverse congregation is expected, to include:

Political leaders who knew Ann Bedsole as the first Republican woman serving in the State House and the first woman in the State Senate.

Former students, educators and parents who knew Ann as the envisioner and founder of the Alabama School of Mathematics and Science. Alabama’s best and brightest will continue shining brighter due to Ann Bedsole’s founding of a world-class residential high school for the gifted.

Business leaders who knew Ann through her forestry, property and other business success.

The caring, serving community who knew Ann through the Sybil Smith Village for the homeless, named for her mother.

Ann Bedsole published her life story in 2022 at age 92. The book’s title is “Leave Your Footprint.” She left many footprints and encouraged others to leave their own.

Bedsole ran for Governor in 1994 but lost the Republican runoff to eventual winner Fob James.

She fell short in a race for Mayor of Mobile in 2005.

Ann was inducted into the Alabama Academy of Honor in 2002.

Jim Zig Zeigler is a contributing writer for Yellowhammer News. His beat includes the positive and colorful about Alabama – her people, events, groups and prominent deaths. He is a former State Auditor and Public Service Commissioner. You can reach him at [email protected]