Ann Elliott Thomas Woodruff

1927 - 2017

After a long decline in heath, on July 11th Mrs. Woodruff died peacefully in her home with loving family and caregivers present.

Born in Detroit, Michigan, she was the daughter of John Sheppard Thomas and Florence Thieme Thomas. Education was always a priority of the family as her grandfather was superintendent of public school and her father superintendent of finance for the Detroit Public School System. She followed in her mother's footsteps as a member of Alpha Phi Sorority at the University of Michigan and received a BFA from the School of Literature, Science and the Arts (LSA) with a major in Architecture.

Her earliest interests involved interior design and architecture and both carried through her entire life. She gained considerable pleasure from having graceful, beautiful interiors and gardens. Her love of flowers was seen by her extensive gardens which she cared for and attended to all her life. Ann not only found great pleasure in nature's beauty but also in antiques and art. She loved to travel and used this time to add to her extensive collection of both. She believed if she found a beautiful piece, she'd find a place for it! Her home was always immaculate and ready for entertaining. Mrs. Woodruff was an impeccable host throughout her life and with her final wishes she directed her family to set the table for guests and help her dress for dinner.

Ann is best remembered in the community as an extremely professional and ethical Real Estate Broker in the Athens area, being one of the first women to enter the field in the 1960's. During her 30 year professional career, countless numbers of Athenians bought and sold homes through her and her company; Ann, an early feminist, hired and trained many women in her field. Over her career she was active with both the Athens Board of Realtors and the Georgia Chapter of the Women's Council of Realtors. During this time she served in many roles, including president, of both organizations.

Mrs. Woodruff and her husband James were married for 65 years. During this time they helped establish and grow the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Athens and were considered some of the earliest members, joining in 1960, and both served on the board of directors for the UUFA at different times. She was a strong advocate of women's education and fostered this through her involvement with the Janette Rankin Foundation.

She was preceded in death by her husband James F. Woodruff II. Together they had four children, James F. Woodruff III (Becky), Alice E. Woodruff, John T. Woodruff (Pamela) and David O. Woodruff (Nancy); they had 13 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. She is survived by her younger brother John Thieme Thomas. She is also survived by her beloved dog, Flossie.

The family would like to extend grateful appreciation and thanks to her caregivers: Mabel Daniel, Kamillia Coleman, Ivy Howard, Rachel White, Nick Jambeck, Atlean Huff and Marie Thelusma, for the love and devotion they gave to both Ann and James during their final years. All became a part of her extended family.

Ann Woodruff's life we be celebrated at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Athens on Saturday, August 26, 2017 at 3 p.m. The family invites attendees to a reception in the fellowship hall following the service.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Jeanette Rankin Foundation or the UUFA Building Fund.