Ann Willene Joiner-Mullins

Ann Willene Joiner-Mullins, a woman of profound grace, tireless creativity, and an unwavering heart for service, passed away on February 25, 2026, at the age of 89. Known to her family as the “constant mother,” Ann’s life was a testament to the power of putting others first and finding joy in the simple, beautiful corners of the world.

A Journey of Resilience and Love

Born at Emory Hospital in Atlanta to Mary Davis and Ben J. Joiner, Ann’s early years were defined by transition. Due to her father’s career with Swift Premium & Company, she lived in 13 different locations across the Southern United States in just 12 years. Though changing schools mid-year presented significant challenges, these experiences formed in her a remarkable ability to build bridges and cultivate deep, lasting friendships -skills that would define her entire life.

In her youth, Ann was a vibrant athlete and musician, excelling in volleyball and basketball. It was her spirit on the athletic field that eventually led to the great love of her life. Peter Lake Mullins first saw Ann during a pickup football game; after watching her score a touchdown, he was instantly enamored. The two were married in New Orleans, beginning a 70-year journey of partnership and adventure.

The Foundation of Family

Beginning in 1957, Ann and Peter’s early marriage was marked by his ROTC obligation to the Air Force, leading them to the Holloman Air Force Base in New Mexico. As their family grew, they followed Peter’s work opportunities as a rocket engineer to Tennessee & Sacramento. In 1964, he was admitted to Stanford to pursue a PhD in Finance and the family moved into married student housing on campus.

Ann was the devoted mother of three children: Chris, Cheryl, and Craig. She was the bedrock of their home, a woman whose selflessness manifested so prominently that it often seemed she had become unaware of her own desires in her quest to make everyone else happy.

A Master of Many Crafts

In 1967, the family moved to Ohio, where Peter became a Professor of Finance at Ohio State and Ann embraced the local climate horticulturally by becoming a Master Gardener. She spent countless hours re-landscaping their property in Upper Arlington and working outdoors. Her creativity knew no bounds—she was a gifted seamstress who made everything from down jackets to home décor, and an inventive cook who pioneered numerous “family standard” dishes curated through consumption of piles of magazines, newspapers and varied periodicals. In Ohio, she also played competitive tennis regularly, took up painting, participated in an active social life, refinished antique furniture and built a couple of ships-in-a-bottle! But she often looked forward to a more forgiving climate for outdoor living and for greatly expanded horticultural opportunities.

Ann was also a lifelong seeker of knowledge. She was intensely curious, investigating random subjects and corners of the world out of pure interest. The constant study inspired her, and it often spurred creativity. This happened through photography and videography, ceramics, the landscapes she created, her delicate approach to complexities of friendship, or the 1000s of handmade cards she sent to family and friends over the years. She viewed the world as an opportunity for artistic expression. She desired to make circumstances around her more beautiful, and to inspire others to live grateful lives.

A Life of Faith and Vitality

As her children grew and left home, Ann and Peter expanded their horizons through extensive travel, exploring Europe, South America, New Zealand, Australia, Asia and Hawaii. Among her favorite destinations was the lake region of Northern Italy, especially around Lake Maggiore, where she found both beauty and tranquility.

In 1985, Ann and Peter purchased property in Carpinteria, California. It didn’t take long for them to realize they had found their heaven-on-earth, and she set out to remake and optimize every corner of their lovely 4 acres on Shepard Mesa. This house and land were their primary avocations for the rest of their lives. They loved the community they found here and became deeply involved with it.

Here Ann’s deep Christian faith strengthened as the central pillar of her life. As a dedicated member of the Carpinteria Family Baptist Church, she served her congregation with joy, regularly sharing her musical talents as the church pianist. Her faith, southern culturing and the wounds of her constant moving as a child facilitated motivations to sink deep roots in Carpinteria-probably deeper than anywhere else she ever lived. She experienced fulfillment, peace and reinforced desires to be a blessing to everyone she encountered.

Her home was governed by a policy of radical hospitality; her oft repeated phrase “you know you are welcome anytime” was an open invitation that she honored regardless of the chaos it might create. She simply wanted to embrace others as much as she could. When her family might object to some consequence, she would often state, “I just want everyone to be happy”. Everyone cannot be happy all the time of course, but she never stopped trying!

Her fitness discipline persisted throughout life. She began running in her 40s and was a fixture in the neighborhood, running and walking multiple laps around the Mesa every morning. She fell in her kitchen on Christmas afternoon 2025 breaking her right elbow and hip, but even on that morning she had been out for her daily 3 miles. For all of her 89 years, she was a grateful energetic consumer of life.

Legacy

Ann’s beloved husband, Peter Lake Mullins predeceased her on March 2, 2025. 

Ann and Peter are survived by their three children: Chris (Kathryn) Mullins, Waco, TX;  Cheryl Hill (Jim Morrow) Aurora, CO;  Craig (Jennifer Oberg) Mullins, Haiku, Maui; six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren, and cousins. They were preceded in death by their parents; Ann’s brother, Ben J Joiner II, and cousins.

“She simply developed patterns of accommodating everyone else and putting them first… she was extremely grateful for essentially every part of her life.”

“I just want everyone to be happy.” – Ann Mullins

 

Celebration of Life Service at Carpinteria Family Baptist Church;

Saturday May 9 @ 2 pm