Born Myrtis Ann Jeter, Myrtis entered the world on August 27, 1949, to her parents, Myrtis and John Jeter. She was the only child born to their union. She departed on July 23, 2023, at the age of 73. She succumbed to complications from cancer. After her mother’s untimely death in 1950, Myrtis lived with her maternal grandparents, Lewis and Agnes McBeth, on a farm they owned in Union, South Carolina. Years later, her father wed his wife, Ruby. Myrtis gained a stepmom through their union and became the big sister to John, Irene, William, Randolph, Ruby Mae, and Doris.

Myrtis was affectionately known as Ann and Myrt by friends and family. Ann was always up for an adventure. After graduating from Sims High School in Union, SC, she moved to Cleveland She lived with her mother’s sister, Aunt Hazel, Uncle Jackson, and their children, Thaddeus and Martina. Always into fashion, Ann worked at the famed Cleveland department store, Higbee’s. While working there, she began dating Thomas Threat. They were wed in 1972. During their 10-year marriage, they welcomed two sons, Darryl and Kevin. Ann worked as a demo coordinator for Pick-N-Pay and was a stay-at-home mom to her sons.

During the 1980s, Ann blossomed as an independent mom of two boys. She began working at the Ohio Lottery. She attended political functions like the Black Caucus conventions. You could also find her with friends at RAN & Associates parties, The Togo Suite, The Reasons Why, and Vels. These were the places where the young, black, and fabulous gathered to blow off steam after their nine-to-five jobs. Ann loved to travel. She cruised to various Caribbean destinations and later expanded her travel to international locations like France, Spain, and Amsterdam. As her sons became adults, they left the nest, and she remained close to them. This gave Ann more reason to travel. Ann would visit Darryl and his wife, Gina, in Columbus, OH. They went to steakhouses and to see her favorite Bond films. In Brooklyn, NY, she visited Kevin, his wife, Jenny, and their girls, Dawn and Zora. They would go to brunch, visit museums and go shopping.

Ann was elated when she became a grandma for the first time to her son Darryl’s daughter, Taylor (mom, Shannon). Ann cherished her lunches with Taylor as she grew into a young woman. Even though Dawn and Zora were out of state, she would share advice and funny stories. She loved visiting New York and saw herself as an honorary New Yorker. She often cites climbing the stairs of the Statue of Liberty while pregnant with Kevin as the reason why he moved to New York.

Ann was known for her gift of gab. Her verbal skills served her well in sales at the Ohio Lottery. She later retired from the Lottery after more than 30 years. As a retiree, she worked at Heinen’s; embraced spiritual teachings as a member of Unity Church and volunteered for public radio. Even after receiving a cancer diagnosis in 2020 and numerous rounds of treatment, she was undaunted and continued to travel. Her last big trips were to Idaho and New York. Ann dreamed big when she moved to Cleveland. She excelled in her career and supported her sons. She instilled the importance of family that her family will continue in her memory. Those that knew Ann will remember her as a woman who loved listening to music, drinking Chardonnay wine, and having a lively discussion.

Ann is survived by her children Darryl (Gina), Columbus, OH; Kevin (Jennifer), Brooklyn, NY; her stepmom, Ruby (John, deceased) Union, SC; aunt, Hazel (Thaddeus, Sr., deceased), Bedford Heights, OH; brothers, John (Greenville, SC); William (Union, SC), Randolph (Carlise, SC) and sisters, Irene (Brian), Blythewood, SC; Doris (James), Union, SC; Ruby Mae (Lee), Union, SC; granddaughters, Taylor (Cleveland, OH), Dawn (Brooklyn, NY), Zora (Brooklyn, NY); friends, Jonalyn (Cleveland, OH); Gwen (Cleveland, OH) and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She will be greatly missed.