Ann Cooley

Ann Buchanan Cooley, age 83, of Westlake, Louisiana, passed away peacefully on January 28, 2026, at the home of her daughter, surrounded by love.

Ann was born on December 24, 1942, to Jesse and Vivian Buchanan. She was raised with strong values that shaped her life as a devoted mother, grandmother, and friend. Ann graduated from DeRidder High School in May of 1961 and went on to dedicate many years of her life to caring for others as a Licensed Practical Nurse. After leaving nursing, she continued her giving spirit through private sitting, where she formed meaningful connections and provided comfort to those in need.

In retirement, Ann found joy in life's simple blessings. She loved tending to her garden, spending quiet time reading her Bible, sipping her coffee, and "perch jerking," which brought her both peace and contentment. Though she did not travel often, she experienced much of the country through the stories and adventures shared by her oldest son, Dan. Her lifelong love of horses remained close to her heart thanks to frequent phone calls and pictures from her youngest son, Paul, and his wife, Jodi.

Ann cherished her family deeply and delighted in learning new things from them especially discovering that canning involved far more than just jalapeño peppers, thanks to her daughter Donna. She was also well-known for her love of pretzels, an addiction she fondly blamed on her son-in-law, Bill. These small, shared moments defined her joy and reflected the love she had for those around her.

She is survived by her children: Dan Shirley Jr. (Tommy) of High Lonesome, Wyoming; Paul Shirley and wife Jodi of Barnwell, South Carolina; Donna S. Griffith and husband Bill of DeRidder, Louisiana; Donna Beard and husband Brad of Leander, Texas; and her adopted son, Kelvin "Jay" Garrett of Westlake, Louisiana.

She is also survived by her sister, Ruth Harrison of Valdosta, Georgia.

Ann leaves behind a legacy of love through her grandchildren: April (Manny) McCoy, Kattie (Bobby) Pitts, Richard (Carlyn) Shirley, Cody Shirley, Tori (Chris) Box, Sarah Beard, Keiffer Griffith, and Dutches Griffith, along with twelve great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews who will cherish her memory.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jesse and Vivian Buchanan; her brother, Chuck Buchanan; her sisters, Margaret Ward and Mildred Cox; and her beloved granddaughter, Brittany Shirley.

A Funeral Service will be held in the chapel of Myers Colonial Funeral Home on Saturday January 31, 2026, at 1:00pm. Visitation will be from 10:00am until the time of the service at 1:00pm at Myers Colonial Funeral Home.. Burial will follow in Newlin Cemetery.  Brother Eddie Caston will officiate the service. 

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the nurses and staff at Beauregard Memorial Hospital, the staff at Westwood Manor, with special thanks to Brittani Spillers, Meagan, and Jas (Philadelphia), and the compassionate team at Brighten Bridge Hospice for their care, kindness, and support during this time.

Ann's life was defined by quiet strength, deep faith, and an unwavering love for her family. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.