Missing Anna Mae

By Sandy James
Review Staff Writer
Published: April 17, 2008

Anna Mae Douthit has been the go-to person at the Virginia Cooperative Extension Office in Orange for the last 20 years. She plans to retire at the end of April, on her 70th birthday.
Douthit said she was unsure at first about her feelings toward retirement.
“The closer it gets, the more exciting it is,” she said.
Douthit is looking forward to having more time to paint.
Her artwork is displayed on nearly every wall at the extension office.
Douthit painted a landscape of Kaci Daniel’s family farm from photographs several years ago. Daniel, the 4-H youth development extension agent, said the scene of the barn with Old Rag Mountain in the background was beautifully recreated and has become one of her favorite paintings.
“She’s an incredibly talented artist and I’m thrilled for her that she’s going to have more time to pursue her passion for painting,” said Daniel.
Douthit is thought of as part of the family at the Extension office, and there are mixed emotions about her retirement.
“Anna Mae is a tremendous asset to our program and will be greatly missed. We will never be able to replace the dedication, thoughtfulness and sincerity she provides to our program and to our clients,” said Steve Hopkins, the Orange office unit coordinator.
Hopkins said Douthit genuinely cares about the people and children she works with. He said her background helped her become an integral part of the Extension office.
Douthit, a Pennsylvania native, was raised on a dairy farm.  She was a 4-H Dairy, Livestock and Home Economics Club member. She and her husband Bob, the recently retired farm manager at Woodberry Forest School, moved to Unionville in 1967. They have three sons and six grandchildren.
Everyone, including Jill Tucker, Extension Agent-Family and Consumer Sciences, mentioned dependability as one of Douthit’s endearing traits. “She won’t even leave when it snows, until we get the call saying the county is closing down,” said Tucker.
“Anna Mae Douthit…she’s truly one of a kind,” said Daniel.
Daniel said the things she admires most about Douthit are her loyalty and dedication.  “She is a caring friend--trustworthy, a good listener, and one who calms the waters,” Daniel said. 
Douthit has been a mentor to Daniel for the past seven years. Her experience and extensive knowledge of the Orange 4-H program have provided insight on how and why things are done.
Douthit was inducted as an honorary 4-H All Star last year. This is the highest honor a Virginia 4-H member can receive. Her husband was a long-time 4-H leader and her children are all 4-H All Stars.
Daniel said Douthit is always a team player in the office, making hundreds of thousands of copies and mailing letters, newsletters, and information to the public far and wide. 
“She has made herself available for night and weekend activities such as 4-H Achievement Night and the Orange County Fair and is a trained Master Gardener, answering home horticulture questions and identifying numerous insects, pests, and plant diseases,” said Daniel.
“We will miss her--her friendship, her loyalty, everything that she brought to the office--but we wish her the very best in retirement!  She deserves it!” said Daniel.
Other coworkers expressed their admiration of Douthit.
“She has never been late in her life,” said Ashley Elgin, Program Technician, 4-H Youth Development. “She’s the kind face, when you walk in. Even if your day isn’t going well, she makes it better.”
“Anna Mae has been enormously helpful to me. She was so warm and welcoming when I came here. She made me feel like I belonged,” said Nutrition Specialist Martha Thorn.
“She will do anything for you,” said unit administrative assistant Nancy Lawler, who has worked with Douthit the longest. “She’s always ready and willing to fill in, even if it means changing her schedule.”
April 30th is fast approaching, and well-wishers are encouraged to stop by the Orange Extension office or call 672-1361 to say happy birthday and congratulate Douthit on her upcoming opportunity to become a full-time artist.