Ann Stewart (Matthews) Hemphill

Ann Stewart (Matthews) Hemphill, 80, of Jacksonville, Florida, passed away peacefully on Easter Sunday, April 5, 2026.

Born on December 21, 1945, in Greensboro, North Carolina, she was the only child of Mary Anna (Hall) Matthews and Thomas Stewart Matthews, longtime rector of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Macon, Georgia. Raised in the life of the Church, she developed a deep and enduring faith that guided her life of service to others.

She attended the National Cathedral School in Washington, D.C., graduating in 1964. She attended Sweet Briar College and later completed her bachelor’s degree as a mature student at Jacksonville University.

While still in high school, she met her future husband, David Whitlock Hemphill, at a church conference. Their long-distance courtship, sustained through frequent letters and school-break visits, led to their marriage on July 30, 1966, at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Macon.

Following David’s service in the U.S. Air Force, the couple began their life together in Ithaca, New York, where she worked for the Cornell Law Review while he completed his graduate studies. They later lived in Louisville, Kentucky, before settling in Jacksonville, Florida, in 1977, where they built a life centered on family, faith, and community.

At St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, Ann Stewart devoted herself to parish life, serving in numerous roles, including Newcomer Coordinator, Lay Ministries Coordinator, and Bookstore Manager. She led children’s chapel services, guided Education for Ministry groups, supported Cursillo retreats, and played a central role in organizing parish life and fellowship.

After years of discernment, she was ordained as a deacon in the Episcopal Church in 2000. She faithfully served congregations, including the Episcopal Church of the Nativity, living out her calling to care for the sick, the friendless, and those in need. From 2004, she continued her ministry within the Anglican Church, primarily serving as a deacon at Christ Church Jacksonville Anglican. She found deep joy in proclaiming the Gospel and serving at the altar.

Her commitment to service extended beyond the church. She was a devoted supporter and board member of Angels for Allison, helping families navigate the unimaginable loss of a child with compassion and care.

Ann Stewart also found joy in the simple moments of life, time spent with family in Fernandina Beach, traveling with loved ones, reading, and sharing meals, laughter, and conversation. She especially cherished spending time with her grandchildren.

She is survived by her husband of 59 years, David Whitlock Hemphill; her sons, David Matthew Hemphill and his wife Julie (Blackson) Hemphill of Jacksonville, Florida, and James Tripp Hemphill and his wife Elizabeth

Beeley Hemphill of Oxfordshire, England; and her grandchildren, Stewart Whitlock Hemphill, Brenna Marie Dupries, and Reid Garrett Dupries.

A funeral service will be held at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Jacksonville, Florida, at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, May 8, 2026, with a reception to follow.

Donations may be made in her memory to Angels for Allison (angelsforallison.org).