She lived most of her life in Maryville, Tennessee, except for a period of time in the s during which she lived and worked in Washington, D. Meli enjoyed sharing stories from her time there, including the day her wool skirt was ruined by tear gas as she walked through an active protest in the city, and the buzz in the office the day the weapon used to assassinate Martin Luther King Jr.
After returning home to Maryville, Meli spent the majority of her career as an administrative support assistant in the Agricultural Economics and Resource Development Department at the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture. A woman of deep and unwavering faith, Meli was very active at Fairview Methodist Church. There she taught children's Sunday School for more than 50 years, becoming a beloved member of her church community and connecting with multiple generations of church kids.
Meli is also remembered by many for the hundreds of birthday cards she sent without fail to her immediate family, cousins and their children, her uncles and aunts, and others.
This became a personal ministry for Meli, bringing smiles and fond remembrances year after year. Meli's survivors include her brother, Ralph Stoutt, who is married to Lucy Stoutt, niece Tina Byrd and family, and many extended family members she enjoyed spending time with on a regular basis.
Meli's family will honor her in a private graveside service. A public memorial service will be held at a later date. Smith Funeral and Cremation Service, Maryville, Copy the text below and then paste that into your favorite email application. Open In Email Client. Send Flowers. Melitta 'Meli' Stoutt January 20, β February 5, To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Melitta 'Meli' Stoutt, please visit our flower store.
