Dr. Ann Barthold Stidham

Dr. Ann Barthold Stidham, 90, of Clinton, South Carolina, passed away peacefully on April 22, 2026. A beloved professor, counselor, mentor, mother, and friend, she leaves behind a legacy of intellect, warmth, and deep human connection.

Born and raised in Steubenville, Ohio, Ann developed an early love for music and learning. She graduated from Steubenville High School in 1953, where she proudly played saxophone in the marching band. She went on to attend Muskingum College in New Concord, Ohio, graduating summa cum laude in 1957, and later earned her masters at Northwestern University on a fully funded Northwestern Graduate School Fellowship and doctorate in Counseling Psychology from the University of Tennessee in 1966, fully funded by NIMH and the University of Tennessee Graduate School Fellowship.

Dr. Stidham dedicated 47 years to Presbyterian College where she served as Charles A. Dana professor of psychology. In 1979, she became the first female faculty member to receive the Outstanding Professor award at PC. Throughout the years she was bestowed many honors including the Outstanding Professor in the Southeast in 1992 and the South Carolina Distinguished Professor Award in 1997. She mentored countless students, celebrating each person’s uniqueness with humor, wisdom, and genuine care.

Known for her sharp mind and joyful spirit, Ann was an outstanding baker who delighted in bringing people together around her kitchen table, especially during the holidays.

She is survived by her two sons, Bart and Thad and wife Prentiss and five grandchildren, who were the center of her world: Hallie, Maddie, Nellie, Eli, and Perrin.

Memorial donations may be made to Laurens County Hospice, P O Box 178, Clinton, SC 29325 or the Psychology Department at Presbyterian College, 503 S. Broad Street, Clinton, SC 29325.

Condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting www.grayfuneralhome.com

Gray Funeral Home of Clinton is assisting the Stidham family with arrangements.