Anne Dunivin’s Legacy at Southern Crescent

Anne Dunivin stands in front of street sign for “Dunivin Drive”, the street named after her in Jonesboro, GA

A life of service and impact

At Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity, we are fortunate to have had the support of many incredible individuals over the years, but few have left as lasting a legacy as Anne Dunivin. For over two decades, Anne was a dedicated volunteer and member of our Family Selection Committee, helping to select the families that would receive safe and affordable housing. Her commitment to serving others and her passion for our mission were truly remarkable.

Anne’s life was filled with many accomplishments that extended far beyond her work with our organization. She was one of the first women to graduate from Emory University with a Master’s Degree in Chemistry, breaking barriers and setting an example for generations of women to follow. A longtime resident of Riverdale, right here in Clayton County, Anne continued to give back to her community in countless ways. At the age of 83, she was elected to the Riverdale City Council, serving two terms and making a difference in her local government well into her senior years.

But Anne wasn’t just a trailblazer in academia and public service—she also excelled in sports. One of her favorite hobbies was swimming, and she joined the U.S. Masters Swimming Organization where she set the national record for the 1,000-meter freestyle swim in her age group. We had the privilege of watching her take some laps in 2016, when she celebrated her 100th birthday by doing what she loved—swimming. Her energy and spirit were truly inspiring. See video here.

Recently, on what would have been Anne’s 108th birthday, we had the honor of meeting with her family to celebrate her life and discuss her legacy. It was a beautiful time of reflection, and we were reminded of just how incredible it is for someone to dedicate their entire life to the service of others. Anne’s impact on our community is immeasurable, and her work continues to live on through the lives of the families she helped. In a touching tribute to her memory, Anne’s family has established the Anne Dunivin Endowment Fund. This fund will ensure that her mission of providing affordable housing for families in need will continue for years to come. It’s a wonderful way to honor Anne’s life of service, and we are grateful to her family for keeping her legacy alive.

Anne Dunivin’s life reminds us all of the power of selfless dedication. Her legacy is a shining example of what one person can accomplish when they dedicate their life to making the world a better place. We are forever grateful for her contributions and are proud to continue her work at Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity. If you would like to contribute to the Anne Dunivin Endowment Fund and help support families in our community, please tap the link here. Every donation ensures that Anne’s work continues, giving hope and stability to those who need it most.