Dr. Anna H Laney

Dr. Anna Harris Laney was born in Washington, D.C., December 18, 1927, to Fannie

Clinton Houston and Andrew Clinton. She departed this earthly life, Monday, May 11,

2020, following a long battle with dementia.

A graduate of Cardoza High School, Anna demonstrated an early interest in education.

She graduated from the District of Columbia Teachers College, earning a Bachelor’s

degree in Education. She went on to receive her Master’s and Doctor of Education

degrees from Catholic University. She also received a Ph.D. from the University of Santa

Barbara.

Anna’s lifelong love of education led her to teaching and education leadership positions,

starting out as a middle school teacher in District of Columbia Public Schools. She

taught business courses at the University of the District of Columbia and ultimately

retired from UDC as Dean of the School of Business.

In addition to a passion for education, Anna loved music and dance. She started taking

piano, voice, and dance lessons at an early age. She excelled as a pianist, vocalist, and

dancer. She composed and published her music, while singing with several choirs. Her

love of jazz led her to be the pianist for a local band and an ardent supporter of jazz

groups and musicians in the area. Anna also enjoyed sewing and gardening.

A long-time member of Asbury United Methodist Church, Anna sang in several Asbury

choirs and supported the church’s various ministries. She was an active member of

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. She also was a member of the Banneker Ballroom Dance

Club.

Anna Laney was preceded in death by her husband, Frederick J. Laney and her son,

John Stanley Harris. Memories of Anna, her beautiful voice, flair for decorating and

dressing, will be cherished by her seven grandchildren; Sherry Cherry, Tracy Lewis,

Renee Harris Elfe, Johnnie Smith, John Stanley Harris Jr., Rohn Harris and Tchacona

Harris. Anna also is survived by more than 30 great-and great-great grandchildren.

“What we once enjoyed and deeply loved we can never lose, for all that we

love deeply becomes part of us.”

Helen Keller, author and political activist