Dorothy Ann Willis  was born September 1, 1933 in Lakeview Texas. Ann was the only child of of Cecil and Iona Willis. Ann was born in the bedroom of their tiny home during the Great Depression. 

They lived an impoverished life , and on many occasions, feared hunger. 

    When Ann was nine years old, her father Cecil, was drafted into World world two. The Willis's had to move to California for Cecil to honor his civic duty. 

   California became one of the first major turning points in young Ann's life. She experienced exposure to different cultural background. Here, she made friends, with children  of Italian, Greek, Hispanic, and African American decent. 

    Cecil finished his services in the Navy, so the family moved backed to Texas. The family relocated to Waco where Ann would spend the rest of her childhood. 

   The experience of the military guided Cecil and Iona to think more about Ann's future. They decided that Ann was going to receive the best education possible.

    While Ann attended high School, the next big influence in her life occurred, she met her future husband David Richards. 

   In High School,  Ann's education progressed. She found a talent for debating, and became a Texas Delegate. She traveled with the debate team, and was rewarded multiple scholarships for college. She accepted an offer from Baylor University where she would would earn her Bachelor Degree. 

    Fast Forward twenty years...

 Ann and David started a family, and careers. David became an Attorney, and Ann gave up her career, as a teacher, to raise her family.  

    In 1969, The Richards family moved to Austin, and this is where Ann found her passion for politics. Ann managed a legislative campaign for Sarah Weddington, and Sarah won! Ann became Representative Weddington's assistant during the 1970's.

   In 1975, David Richards was asked to run for Travis County Democratic Commissioner; Respectfully he declined. Ann decided to run instead, and became the first woman commissioner in Travis County.

    In 1983, Ann ran for State Treasurer and won the Democratic seat to becoming the first woman elected to a statewide office in 50 years.