On Sunday, January 26, 2020, the loving heart of a cherished mother, beloved grandmother and dear friend beat for the last time.  Ann Beach Caldwell ("Nana") passed away peacefully at Superior Residences of Clermont (FL), where she had lived since March 2019. She was 92.  Mrs. Caldwell moved to Central Florida from Ashcamp, KY in 1999, and resided in Clermont for the past 17 years.  Born December 22, 1927, she grew up in Dalton, GA, along with her 3 sisters and 3 brothers, of whom she was the last surviving sibling.  She married Church of Christ preacher Paul M. Caldwell Sr. on July 2, 1943.  They were married until his death in 2002.

In the 70s, her first grandchild started calling Ann "Nana."  From then on, she was called "Nana" by her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and by others of all ages among church congregations wherever she lived.  Nana was a popular hostess whose door was always open to the company she adored having.  For several years, along with friends from the Church of Christ, she hosted monthly Sunday Night Dinners for 30 or more people who came together for food and fellowship.

Somewhere along the line, Nana began collecting Coca Cola memorabilia.  Every home she lived in had an extensive display of just about anything Coke-related that existed - from small Coke bottle keychains to Coca Cola-themed tin trays, replicas of Coca Cola Bottling plants, Coke's Christmas polar bear ornament... You name it, she had it.  She built her collection on gifts received from friends and family given for any occasion.  Over the years, she collected enough to turn her carpeted two-car Clermont garage into Nana/Ann Caldwell's exclusive Coca Cola Museum.  It was always a treat — especially for the children who came to visit, who often took home an ornament they picked from her "Coke Tree" as a souvenir.

Decorating for the holidays and seasons was her lifelong passion. Bright and colorful glittery decor and lights adorned her home every Christmas, Easter, St. Patrick's Day, 4th of July.  For many years, she kept her Christmas tree lighted year-round on her screened porch and decorated it according to the time of year — until Hurricane Irma came along.   Nana/Ann so enjoyed having company that in recent years, she decked out a back bedrooms for "Nana's Bed and Breakfast Accommodations," complete with a guestbook for guests to record details of their visit.

Ann was preceded in death by husband Paul and son Thomas Ray.  She is survived by son Paul (Joy), daughter Donna (Dennis) Trask, son Bob (Linda), and daughter Patricia (Donald) Butler; eleven grandchildren and twenty-four great-grandchildren.  Services were held at 12Noon Thursday, January 30 at Becker Funeral Home in Clermont.  Internment followed at Florida National Cemetery where she was laid to rest next to her late husband.  In lieu of flowers, the family requested donations to Church of Christ, 500 Grand Highway, Clermont, FL 34711.