Rosemary Ellen Stout, born in Keyser, WV, on February 11, 1926, passed away in Smithfield, Virginia, on Thursday, August 8, 2024.  She was the daughter of the late James C. Smith and Ninalee Harrison Smith.  Prior to moving to Norfolk, she lived in Virginia Beach for 53 years.

Rosemary was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Charles M. Stout, and sister Carolyn Cain. She is survived by her daughters, Terry D. Gleason (Ned), Kathleen H. Harris (Charles), and Holly A. Patterson (Michael); granddaughters Rachel Cornette (Tim) and Kelsey Patterson; grandson Zachary Patterson; and six great-grandchildren.

Rosemary was a member of Great Bridge Chap, DAR, Suffolk Chap, Colonial Daughters of the 17th Century, Port Norfolk Chap Daughters of the War of 1812, Pickette-Buchanan Chap, United Daughters of the Confederacy, and the Welcome Society of PA.  She was also one of the founders of the Valentine Hollingsworth, Sr. Society.  She was previously a member of the Huguenot Society, Sons and Daughters of Pilgrims, and Daughters of American Colonists. 

She graduated from West Virginia University in Morgantown, WV, with a bachelor’s degree in business education. She taught at Norfolk Vocational School. After graduation, she worked in Washington, D.C., where she met her husband of 45 years.

Rosemary was a lover of animals, and she cared for numerous dogs and cats during her lifetime, especially her beloved cat, PG.

Burial will be in Queen’s Point Cemetery, Keyser, West VA, in the Smith Family plot. Our mom is now back in her beautiful State of West Virginia where her heart has always been.   “. . . God has you in his keeping.  We have you in our hearts.”

Memorial donations may be made to St. Bride’s Episcopal Church, Chesapeake (https://stbrideschurch.org/), or the Norfolk SPCA (https://norfolkspca.com/).

Arrangements are under the care of Peninsula Funeral Home, 11144 Warwick Blvd., Newport News, VA 23601.