Mary Ann Costner was born on August 14, 1943 to the union of Cleve Simpson and Rosie Pearl Williams, both of whom preceded her in death.

Ann, as most people called her, attended South Woodlawn Elementary and Lincoln Heights High School. Her formative years were mostly spent and influenced by her paternal grandmother, Mrs. Mary Simpson.

On August 31, 1968, she untied in holy matrimony with Gene Costner. To this union, one son and four daughters were born. She always referred to Gene as her "soulmate: and he affectionately called her "Jo". Ann gave her life to Christ at a young age and joined Friendship Missionary Baptist Church in the village of Lincoln Heights, OH. Ann loved to sing. As an adult, she became a member of their senior choir. On of her favorite songs to sing was "How I Got Over" by Aretha Franklin. She also used her gift of singing as a member of the workshop mass choir under the leadership of the village of Lincoln Heights, gospel great, Charles Fold.

Ann worked many years at Cincinnati Electronics where she assembled military grade communication systems.

Ann was preceded in death by her grandparents, parents, daughters, Renea and Marlena; siblings, Frederick "Stack" Simpson; Micheal Simpson, Sandra Simpson, Debra Simpson and Elvira "Becky" Simpson.

She leaves to cherish her memory: soulmate, Gene; son, Jeffery (Sonia) Simpson; daughter, Alisha Newell; brother, Cleve {June) Simpson; sister, Yvette (Cookie) Simpson; twelve grandchildren; eighteen great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.