Elza Lipford Stout

Elza Lipford Stout, 106, completed her earthly journey on September 28, 2025 in Mountain City, TN. Mrs. Stout was born on September 10, 1919 in Butler, TN to Valentine “Tine” and Ellen K. Lipford. Her homemaking abilities were exceptional, including gardening, food preservation and other responsibilities supporting her husband on the farm. Being a talented seamstress, she created numerous garments and quilts for her family. Her hands were always busy working in her flower garden, making baskets, crocheting or enjoying other projects.

Mrs. Stout was a graduate of Watauga Academy in Old Butler. She supported her country during World War II as an employee of a munitions factory in Radford, VA. Mrs. Stout, the oldest living member of Bethany Baptist Church, served as a Sunday School teacher and WMU leader. She was a long-standing member of the Doe Valley Home Demonstration Club as well as a beloved kindergarten aide at Doe School. 

Mrs. Stout was preceded in death by Gale M Stout, her husband of 55 years; Alma and Dennis Hayes, sister and brother-in-law; Joe and Kathleen Lipford, brother and sister-in-law; and Mike Long, son-in-law. 

Survivors include daughters: Gay Blackmon (David), Summerville, SC and Mary Etta Long, Mountain City; granddaughters: Rachel Reyes (Clark), Knoxville, and Rebekah Mathews (Adam), Charleston, SC; great granddaughters: Ella Marie and Abigale Reyes, Knoxville; brother: Lester Lipford (Katherine) Virginia Beach, VA and numerous nieces and nephews who were dear to her. The family expresses gratitude to the staff of Mountain City Care and Rehabilitation Center for the loving care they provided each day; to Dr. John Whitlock who was her physician for the majority of her life; and to the staff of Caris Palliative Care. 

A service to celebrate her life will be held at Bethany Baptist Church, Saturday October 4th at 11 am.  

Memorials may be made to Bethany Baptist Church 5950 67 West, Mountain City, TN 37683 or the Gale M and Elza L Stout Memorial Scholarship, Carson-Newman University, PO Box 557, Jefferson City, TN 37760.