05/27/2026
We were saddened to learn of the passing of former Woodstock Elementary School teacher and Woodstock librarian, Mrs. Anne Stone.
After Mrs. Stone retired from the library, many was the afternoon when a now adult former student of Mrs. Stone’s would bring their young child to the library.
They never failed to share with me that they grew up to loving to read because Mrs. Stone took the time to read Harry Potter to her class, every day until they finished the book.
I didn’t know Mrs. Stone personally, but a special memory is a beaming college graduate, we’ll call her Amy, coming to the library and telling me about Mrs. Stone staying after hours to help her study for the GED, after she’d been out of school for ten years.
Mrs. Stone believed in Amy, and after she passed the GED test, Anne help her navigate the college application process and walked her through some of those early English 101 papers, until Amy got the hang of it.
Amy has her B.S. now. 🎓
It’s certain that Mrs. Anne touched many lives throughout her career.
We’re sharing her obituary here for those who knew her and would like to pay their respects or leave condolences for the family at the link: https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/birmingham-al/leigh-stone-12899660
Leigh Anne McCoy Stone was born in Birmingham, Alabama on September 17, 1959. She joined her parents and her Savior in heaven as she passed away on May 24, 2026. She will be missed by those who knew and loved her.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Raymond M. McCoy and Willie Mae “Bill” Maynard McCoy. She is survived by a large extended family including her uncle, R.E. “Bud” Maynard and some 12 first cousins. She leaves behind many long-term and close friends who added so much to her life.
A graduate of UAB - The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Anne found her passion and calling in teaching. While she had no children of her own, she had hundreds of her own kids as students at Woodstock Elementary and then West Blocton Middle School.
Inspiring a love of reading and learning, she loved her students unselfishly. After a teaching career, she worked at the Woodstock Community Library where her love for people was evident.
Anne loved the Lord and attended Green Pond Presbyterian Church in West Blocton. She was a fan of bluegrass music, a good book and the Alabama Crimson Tide. She was gifted at telling a story to inspire or entertain all who were willing to listen.
It seems impossible to summarize, in so few words, the impact and influence she had on those around her. Whether it was volunteering with the Girls Scouts or hosting an exchange student, she was eager to make a difference in the lives of others. Anne’s kindness, warmth and love for children will be a lasting legacy. She will not be forgotten.
A special thanks goes to those who provided medical care and oversight as well as those who visited her over the last seven years. You brought comfort, joy and purpose to her during a challenging time.
A graveside service will be held at Elmwood Cemetery & Mausoleum on Thursday, May 28, 2026, at 10:00 am. A visitation will begin at 9:00 am at Ridout’s Elmwood Chapel.
