Anna Eliza Stockman

Anna Eliza Stockman, 77, died Tuesday, October 8, 2024.
Born in Roanoke, Virginia to Eula Mae Carlisle Stockman and Reverend JE Stockman, Eliza along with her brother, Jim, and sister, Jane, grew up in the parsonages of Saint Mark's Lutheran Church in Roanoke. She was introduced to music early in her life by her mother Eula Mae, who earned a degree in Music and English from Greenville Woman's College. Eliza's music studies continued through Roanoke Schools. She played violin in the Patrick Henry High School Orchestra. She continued her studies at Agnes Scott College in Decatur, Georgia, and she later earned a Master's degree from Furman University.
After graduating from Agnes Scott College, Eliza joined her mother as a member of Trinity Lutheran Church. Eliza's father served as pastor at Trinity before World War II. She was on the committee that purchased the first organ in the loft. She sang for decades in the choir and played her violin enriching the church services. She particularly enjoyed taking communion to and visiting elderly congregation members at their homes or in care facilities.
Eliza had many interests. Her love of her fur babies (dogs and cats) was well known. She frequently traveled and had many adventures around world traveling with family and friends. The county library knew her well as she was one of their most faithful patrons. She even dabbled with painting.
Eliza served her community many ways. She volunteered to deliver for Meals on Wheels, often taking her small dog along to entertain the shut ins. She loved visiting nursing homes with shelter puppies and kittens for the residents to enjoy.
Teachers never know where or when their influence will end. Eliza's influence with her students and the music community in Greenville will certainly last for decades and beyond. She served as an orchestra teacher in many elementary, middle and high schools for many years in the Greenville County School District. She worked as First Violin Coach for the Greenville Youth Orchestra. She served as president of the Orchestra Division of the South Carolina Music Educators Association and as president of the SCMEA. She was the Fine Arts Coordinator of Greenville County Schools where she supervised all music programs on all levels. After leaving Greenville County School District, she served as Orchestra Director at Dorman High School. Not ready to retire, Eliza went back to school at Greenville Technical College where she earned a paralegal degree. She was employed by Denny's Restaurant Group and later by Milliken Industries.
Eliza's last years were spent in pain. Her diminished capabilities caused her to have to depend on others. She had lived her life as the helper and not as the helpee, but she was blessed with the friends that she had made along the way. Our lives are richer for knowing Eliza and her friendship will touch our lives indefinitely. That does not end.
No one knows when or where their influence will end. The manner in which Eliza lived her life ensures that she will be remembered beyond current decades. Whether in teaching children, participating in the music community, her dedication to her church that her father once pastored, and her relationships with family and friends, all of these groups are full of folks whose lives are richer for their contact with Eliza.
A memorial service will be held Thursday, October 24, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, 421 N. Main Street, Greenville SC 29601. A string ensemble of Eliza's friends will begin playing at 1:30 p.m., with a reception to follow in the Multipurpose Room. Interment will be in Trinity Lutheran Columbarium.
Friends are encouraged to share their favorite memories of Eliza with the family by clicking on the button labeled "Share A Memory".