Deep Run High School teacher dies unexpectedly

A Deep Run High School teacher died unexpectedly yesterday, the school’s principal announced in an email to families this morning.

Patricia Stockdale didn’t appear for a virtual meeting with one of her classes yesterday, prompting parents to check with school officials, who then confirmed her death late last night.

“Ms. Stockdale was a kind, polite, and caring teacher who loved working with her students,” Principal Brian Fellows wrote.

Stockdale had just started her 11th year at Deep Run after teaching for six years at Hanover High School. Previously, she worked as a speechwriter and spent seven years with AT&T. She also was a Deep Run parent. There was no immediate word on the cause of death.

“Ms. Stockdale was constantly researching and finding ways to include projects into the curriculum, she was a strong supporter of Deep Run extracurricular programs, and she loved wearing her Lily Pulitzer pullover,” Fellows wrote. “She also loved talking about her brother, who was an offensive lineman for the Atlanta Falcons.”

The school is collecting virtual messages for Stockdale’s family at https://www.kudoboard.com/boards/opJqXcv8.

Fellows and Deep Run counselors are meeting with each of Stockdale’s students today and tomorrow and will provide additional resources and instructional plans for the coming days, Fellows wrote.

A virtual grief room staffed by counselors is available Tuesday and Wednesday for students.