Ann Boatwright Igoe was born in Darlington, South Carolina to parents, William Heard Boatwright and Rosa Bacot Simons Boatwright. After graduating from Darlington High, where she was voted “Most Witty,” she went on to Coker College and a class presidency. Determined to overcome the challenging circumstances of her youth, Ann was a strong and vibrant student, and her interests were wide: she loved art, tennis, poetry, and dance, pursuing each with passion and drive.
After marrying Harold E. Igoe, Jr. (Skipper) in Charleston, Ann returned to school, earning an MFA in dance from UNC Greensboro, and afterwards studied with Martha Graham. Living in Charleston, her interest in dance persisted: for years she taught a popular movement class at the George St. YMCA, was a member of The Charleston Civic Ballet, as well as a founding member of the dance department at the College of Charleston.
So supportive and encouraging was she in her teaching, that legions of her students became lifelong friends. In her youth, Ann produced beautiful and melancholic poems, and this enduring interest in poetry led her to become a founding member of the Great Mother Conference under poet, Robert Bly. Each summer found her heading off for two weeks to the conference where she lectured on the relationship between poetry and movement among other topics. While successfully raising her two children, whom she adored, Ann continued to sculpt, sketch, and paint in a variety of mediums, producing an impressive body of work. Known for her sense of humor, generosity, and loyalty, Ann attracted many friends and acquaintances from all walks of life, many of whom – from her closest confidants to her gardeners – became subjects for her art. She treasured and dutifully maintained these friendships, being a prolific letter-writer and conversationalist. Inquisitive by nature, Ann loved to consider philosophical and religious ideas, gravitating in serious conversation, especially with her grandchildren, to what was metaphysical and profound..
She spent time in Charleston, Maine, and California and travelled in Mexico, Europe, and Africa. After the death of her husband, Ann was largely responsible for ensuring the Igoe Library Foundation was divided between the Charleston Library Society and the College of Charleston, rendering its treasures accessible to present and future generations.
She is survived by her children, Ann Bacot Daughtridge (Belk) and Harold E. Igoe, Jr, (Sam), Beth Pratt; her sister, Margaret Boatwright Peck (Tom), her grandchildren, Elizabeth Ann Bacot McGehee and MacGregor V.W.H. McGehee; and her four nieces, Elisabeth Boatwright Cobb, Caroline Boatwright Anderson, Simons Boatwright Addison and Margaret Ann Addison. She was predeceased by her brother William Heard Boatwright,, Jr. Donations in her memory may be made to The Great Mother Conference, please make a check to Tor Gul, Inc. and mail to Erin Molitor, 5 Sheridan Street, Portland, ME 04101.
Her Funeral Service will be held Saturday, January 10, 2026 in Grace Church Cathedral, 98 Wentworth Street at 11:00 am. The family will receive friends following the service. Memorial donations may be made to https://www.greatmotherconference.org/”.