Annette Morris Rider, 88, of Avon Park, FL passed away peacefully on Monday, March 2, 2026 at Royal Care Nursing Home in Avon Park. She was born in Higgston, GA on September 21, 1937, the daughter of the late Willie Mack and Thelma (Minton) Morris, and sister of the late Thomas Alex Morris.
Annette attended Savannah High School, graduating in 1955. After marrying Frederick R. Raymond in 1957, they moved to New Orleans, LA, but were divorced in 1970. Moving to Panama City, FL, she took a job at Springfield Commercial Bank, where she met her future husband, James Rider. They married in 1971, creating a new family with stepchildren, Merry Lou and Robert Delos Rider III. She also worked as a secretary at Smith's Ladies' Shop, then as an accounting clerk at Bay Medical Center. After retiring in 2005, she and James moved to Avon Park.
Annette was devoted to James, but sadly, James passed away on August 27, 2024. They had been married for nearly 53 years, and this left Annette with intense grief and deep loneliness. Annette will be truly missed by all who knew her.
Survivors include Merry (Howard) Toole of Rome, GA and Bob (Suzanne) Rider of Cumming, GA; and six grandchildren, Davis Rider, Nelson and Barry Toole, and Olivia, Grace and Brendan Turner.
Services will be held at a later date in Forestville, where Annette and James will be interred together.
Arrangements are by the Riles & Woolley Funeral Home, 39 Main Street in Forestville. To post condolences or memories, go to www.rilesandwoolleyfuneralhome.com.
