Dorchester County Public Schools is saddened by the recent death of Dr. Theresa Stafford, the member of the Board of Education representing District 2. Dr. Stafford died on December 14, 2023.
A lifelong educator, Dr. Stafford was a teacher in Dorchester County before assuming teaching and administrative roles in Caroline County where she served until her retirement in 2014. A graduate of Cambridge High School, she earned an undergraduate degree from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, a master’s degree in education from Salisbury University, and a doctorate in Educational Innovation and Educational Leadership from Wilmington University in 2004.
Dr. Stafford served the community in many ways. She was a 22 year-veteran in the Maryland Army National Guard, a charter member and former president of the Iota Chi Zeta chapter of Zeta Phi Beta sorority, as well as serving on Cambridge’s Planning and Zoning Commission and Dorchester County Citizen’s Review Board for Children. She was also a foster parent for almost 20 years, and a lifetime member of the NAACP.
“Dr. Stafford was a tireless advocate for children,” said Superintendent of Schools Dave Bromwell. “Her retirement from education allowed her to begin the second chapter of her advocacy, through her work in building New Beginnings Youth and Family Services and her service on the Board of Education of Dorchester County. Her dedication to the community was unmatched.”
There will be a public viewing at Cambridge-South Dorchester High School, 2475 Cambridge Beltway, on Saturday, December 23 from 11:00 a.m. to 1;00 p.m., followed by a Celebration of Life service from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
