Bedsole, Ann: - Ann Bedsole, who turns 93 in January 2023, was the first woman ever elected to the Alabama State Senate. In all, she served 16 years in the Alabama legislature, and was widely considered one of the finest legislators of her time. She ran for governor, but lost in a primary run-off. Ann is also a farmer, a timber grower, and one of the leading philanthropists and historical preservations in south Alabama, and has been for more than 50 years. She continues to strive to improve her hometown of Mobile, Alabama, and surrounding areas.