Zoraida (Stoddard) Twitty |
| Posted 2009-05-08 by Pat Wilson |
| TWITTY, Zoraida Stoddard Zoraida Stoddard Twitty, April 11, 1911-December 6, 2005. "This will be my final hurrah!" was a phrase we often heard Zoraida say as she exerted her seemingly endless energy to help family and friends. Of course, she knew there would be many more "final hurrahs" as she continued to lovingly open her heart and home to anyone in need. In the early hours of December 6, 2005 she did experience her "final hurrah" as she elegantly and peacefully entered into eternal rest with her Lord. As a faithful follower of our Lord Jesus Christ, Zoraida's remaining family here on earth is feeling assurance that she is now reunited in Heaven with her husband of over 40 years, Howard A. Twitty, Sr.; along with their son Hudson Barnes Twitty and daughter Mary Marie Twitty Henry. Zoraida is also once again side by side with her three sisters, Ruth, Jayme and Sammie; her niece Carol Whitney, as well as her grandson Kevin Scott Twitty. Zoraida was born in Eastland, Texas and moved with her family to Glendale, Arizona at a very young age. After graduating from Glendale High School in 1929, she entered Arizona State University where she earned a Bachelors degree after four hard years as a full-time student who also held a full-time job. The Depression was a challenge to everyone of that generation, but it did not stop Zoraida from fulfilling her dream of a higher education. Upon graduation from ASU she entered Colorado State University where she earned her Masters Degree in Art. She also studied in Alaska, London, Belgium and Germany. Zoraida returned to Arizona to become an elementary school art teacher in Glendale. She often told interesting stories of traveling to the far corners of Arizona to teach Native American children on remote reservations. She continued to pursue her passion as a teacher and artist after her marriage to Howard and the birth of their three children. Zoraida's paintings have been hung in the Phoenix Art Museum, Arizona State Fair and her works are in private collections throughout the world. Her artwork was inspired by her favorite subject, the majestic desert mountains and breathtaking sunsets of Arizona. In addition to being a supportive wife to Howard and a loving mother of three, Zoraida was quite active in her family church, The First United Methodist Church of Glendale. She was a long-standing member of the Ladies Circle at First Methodist. Zoraida was a Life Member of the Glendale Women's club and also a member of the Glendale PEO. She was involved in several artist groups, notably a member of the Arizona Artist's Guild. Zoraida was obviously very involved in her community and church. Her ability to tell a fascinating true-life story with her sweet sense of humor will be missed by all. Zoraida loved her time with friends and family and had a remarkably natural way of making everyone feel comfortable and accepted. She was beyond frugal when it came to her own needs, yet more than generous when considering the needs of others. She loved buying and selling antiques, art and Native American jewelry and artifacts. Zoraida was gifted with many strong character qualities that were admired by anyone who met her, yet she was most proud of the fact that she had helped to lead several non-believers to know and love the Lord. Zoraida will be dearly missed by her surviving son, Howard A. Twitty, Jr. and his wife Sheree, nine grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren. She was loved deeply by her many surviving nieces and nephews who have grown to think of her more as a mother than an aunt. Visitation will be held at Chapel of the Chimes, 7924 North 59th Avenue in Glendale from 5 to 8 PM on Sunday, December 11. Services were held Monday, December 12 at First United Methodist Church of Glendale, 7102 North 58th Drive, Glendale. Reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, Zoraida would like your support of a memorial donation to one of her true passions, the Christian organization Young Life at 19517 North 40th Lane, Glendale, Arizona 85308, 623-487-5077. Published in The Arizona Republic from 12/9/2005 - 12/11/2005. |
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