Annette Hamby Hutcherson

Dr. Annette Hutcherson, 80, of Lakeland, Florida, died Monday, August 24, 2026.

Dr. Annette Hamby Hutcherson lived a life defined by service, education, strength, and an enduring curiosity about the world around her. Born September 4, 1945, to educators Thomas and Rosa Hamby, Annette grew up in Grenada, Mississippi, and attended high school in Batesville. Education was an important part of her life from an early age and remained so throughout her career. She earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nursing from the University of Mississippi Medical Center and later earned a doctorate in educational administration from the University of Southern Mississippi.

Annette began her career as a nurse at UMMC and later worked in hospitals in Vicksburg, Cleveland, and Pascagoula, Mississippi. Her dedication to nursing was recognized in 1987 when she was named Jackson County Nurse of the Year. While she valued caring directly for patients, she discovered that her true calling was nursing education and enjoyed twelve years teaching in community colleges in MS. In 1989, Annette moved to Lakeland, Florida, and joined the excellent staff at Polk State College. In 2006, she was named Director of the Department of Nursing. She took great pride in the nursing program and in the students who passed through it. Under her leadership, the program became known for academic excellence and consistently strong first-time pass rates on the registered-nurse licensing examination. More important than any statistic, however, were the generations of nurses she taught, encouraged, challenged, and prepared to care for others. Her influence continues through every nurse whose career she helped shape.

Her commitment to service also extended beyond the classroom. While attending nursing college, Annette served for two years in the United States Navy. She later began a 20-year career with the Army National Guard, serving first in Mississippi and then in Florida. Her military career culminated in her appointment as Chief Nurse of the Florida National Guard, where she retired with the rank of colonel.

With a lifelong love of learning, she was an avid reader and had an adventurous spirit that took her around the world. She traveled extensively, visiting nearly every country in Europe as well as almost every continent. In her later years, she enjoyed sharing her love of travel with her friends and grandchildren who joined her. She was especially drawn to historic architecture and small villages and loved experiencing the everyday life, history, and culture of the places she visited. For Annette, travel was another form of education, an opportunity to see something new, understand another part of the world, and satisfy a curiosity that never left her. A nurse, educator, military officer, mother, grandmother, mentor, and traveler, Annette spent her life caring for others, preparing future generations of nurses, serving her country, and pursuing the experiences and knowledge that brought her joy.

Annette was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas and Rosa Hamby; her brother and sister-in-law, John and Jane Hamby. She is survived by her son, Ben Gerrard (Joey Brady), of Chestertown, Maryland; her daughter, Christy Grisham (Paul), of Coldwater, Mississippi; three grandchildren, Rebekah, Anna Grace, and Daniel; her brother, Tom Hamby (Brenda), of Stewart, Mississippi; a niece, Roseann; three nephews, Trey, Rhett, and Robin; her first cousin, Olga Page and her daughter Erica; and the extended family, many friends, former students, nurses, and colleagues whose lives she touched.

A memorial service will be held at The Estates at Carpenters Chapel (1001 Carpenters Way, Lakeland, Florida) Saturday, September 26, 2026, at 10:00 am. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to show their support may make a gift to the Annette Hutcherson Scholarship Fund through Polk State College Foundation at the link provided. The scholarship supports Polk State College students pursuing careers in health sciences, including nursing and allied health programs. 

https://foundation.polk.edu/annette/