Ann Whitaker-Sauls, 72, of Raleigh, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on January 23, 2026.

Ann was born on May 25 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Janet Musser Whitaker and Ralph Whitaker, Jr. She was also raised by her stepfather, Thomas Hackney, Jr. She grew up in Raleigh and Wilson, North Carolina. Ann attended high school at Vardell Hall in Red Springs, North Carolina, and Webber College in Babson Park, Florida. She spent her adult life in Raleigh.

She loved animals and reading and was, above all else, an avid needlepointer. She was passionate about teaching many how to stitch and helping others succeed in the industry.

Ann is survived by her daughter, Mary Dowd, and son-in-law, Austin Dowd; her grandsons, Emory and Kellen Dowd; her brother, Thomas Whitaker, and his wife, Maria; her sister, Ginny Kibler, and her husband, James ("Doc"); her brother, Jennings Hackney, and his wife, Jennifer; and her nieces and nephews, Hannah Whitaker, Emily Hackney Pullen, Sally Whitaker, and Jackson Hackney.

A private celebration of life is being held. Donations may be made in her honor to Transitions LifeCare online at transitionslifecare.org/donate or by mail to Transitions LifeCare, Philanthropy Department, 250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, NC 27607.