Saying Goodbye to Ann Risk

Hattiesburg said good bye to a sweet Christian lady, Ann Risk, on Aug. 11, 2010. Ann Risk of Hattiesburg passed away last Friday, Aug. 6, 2010 of cancer at her home after a stay at Forrest General Hospital. We celebrated her going to be with Jesus today, on her and her husband’s 47th wedding anniversary. She was the wife of Nick Risk, owner of the Honda Sports Center here in Hattiesburg. She is survived by her husband and three sons, Nick, Chris, and Jason, and four grandchildren. Ann was a wife and mother first, but she was always involved in other things around Hattiesburg, too. She was the President of the Salvation Army Auxiliary, and gave of her time and talents to many in the Hattiesburg community. She really knew what it means to be a Christian and give of yourself to others.



I remember Ann from when I was a young 13 year old tomboyish girl. My dad, Darrell Blount, was a local brick layer and friend of Nick and Ann’s and was going to their home to build a retainer wall around their patio. Me, being the tomboy that I was, volunteered to go with him and mix the mortar. I was out to prove I could do anything any boy could do, but better. But about lunchtime, Ann called me in and took me under her wing for a few minutes to try to make a lady out of me. She taught me her secrets of how to fry chicken that day, and to this day I still put parmesan cheese into my chicken flour like she taught me.



Ann was a good lady who always welcomed people into her home with a smile and open arms. As I grew up and got married, I lost contact with Ann for many years, but I never forgot how she took up that special time with me, and how loved that made me feel. For me, Ann was one moment in time that made a difference in my life. If only we could all take one moment of our time and put our arms around someone who just needs a little attention and love, what a world this could be. So in Ann’s memory, this is my challenge to all of you in Hattiesburg. There are kids down at the Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club that need someone to come and give them a little attention and love. Go put your arm around someone and make a difference in their life.



Memorials may be made at the Hattiesburg Salvation Army and Hattiesburg Christian Services, or the American Cancer Society in Ann’s memory.



God bless and Go Fish! Jesus said, Follow me and I will make you fish for others! Matthew 4:19