House Resolution 73
By: Representatives Willis of the 55th and Sainz of the 180th
A RESOLUTION
Honoring the life and memory of Ann Elizabeth Harris Stoddard; and for other purposes.
WHEREAS, the State of Georgia mourns the loss of one of its most distinguished citizens
with the passing of Ann Elizabeth Harris Stoddard on January 11, 2025; and
WHEREAS, Ann Elizabeth Harris Stoddard was born on July 10, 1928, a beloved daughter
of Tola and Lillie Harris; and
WHEREAS, a dedicated education professional, she served as an elementary and high school
teacher, an educational consultant, and a professor at Edward Waters College, Virginia Tech,
and the University of North Florida, where she retired as professor emerita; and
WHEREAS, she was a graduate of Spelman College, Atlanta University Center, and the
University of Georgia; and
WHEREAS, she further authored numerous articles for educational journals, contributed
chapters to books, and presented educational papers both nationally and internationally,
receiving awards for her teaching and scholarly work; and
WHEREAS, a woman of deep and abiding faith, Ann Elizabeth Harris Stoddard was an
active member of Saint Mark's Episcopal Church in Woodbine, where she served on the
mission council and represented the church in several capacities, as well as of Alpha Kappa
Alpha, Sorority, Incorporated; and
WHEREAS, she was united in love and marriage to her husband, William Jr., and was
blessed with four remarkable children, Lynn, William III, Keefe, and Brian; two wonderful
grandchildren, Tamu and Kamal; and six outstanding great-grandchildren, Noemi, Jendaya,
Osei, Usuaya, Viresha, and Oluwadurotime; and
WHEREAS, she found joy in hobbies such as reading; solving crossword, Sudoku, and logic
puzzles; listening to classical and jazz music; stamp collecting; and creating intricate
needlework, including crocheting afghans and cross-stitching works inspired by
Impressionist artists; and
WHEREAS, she was a person of magnanimous strengths with an unimpeachable reputation
for integrity, intelligence, fairness, and kindness, and by the example she made of her life,
she made this world a better place in which to live; and
WHEREAS, a compassionate and generous woman, Ann Elizabeth Harris Stoddard will long
be remembered for her love of family, friendship, and community and will be missed by all
who had the great fortune of knowing her.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that
the members of this body join in honoring the life and memory of Ann Elizabeth Harris
Stoddard and express their deepest and most sincere regret at her passing.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized
and directed to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to the
family of Ann Elizabeth Harris Stoddard.