Lisa Vella Cooper Stout was born to Ruth Elois Whitsitt and Eugene Knox Cooper on July 11, 1954 while her father was stationed at Selfridge Airforce Base in Harrison Township, Michigan. During her youth she lived in multiple states and in Japan. Lisa graduated from Detroit’s Cass Technical High School in 1972 and Michigan State University in 1976 with a B.A. in Communications, and bragging rights as a proud "Sparty”. Lisa set out to make her mark on the world and began her career in human resources at Xerox Corporation, a company she advanced with for 18 years. She also had longevity with Express Scripts where she managed national accounts and received countless awards and acknowledgements before retiring from her role as Senior Account Manager after 18 years of service. 

Lisa was a voracious reader which was inspired by her mother. She enjoyed sharing her knowledge and exchanging ideas with others. She was passionate about her relationship with the Lord and being an active member in church auxiliaries. Her most cherished volunteerism included literacy programs through libraries and churches, and comforting those in grief. She also derived great joy from donating a litany of well-annotated Bibles to churches, friends, and loved ones. For fun Lisa enjoyed bowling and tournaments of Spades, Bid Whist, and Pinochle. She also liked watching Jeopardy, playing Scrabble, watching America’s Funniest Home videos (the really corny ones), listening to music,  and spending time with family. 

Lisa passed away on Friday, July 3, 2020. She was 65 years old. She is survived by her five children Leah Stout, Steven “Chris” Stout, Kezia McAllister, Jillian Coleman (Corey), and Erica Alexander (Ryan); twelve grandchildren Mark, Gabriel, Kayla, Justin, Jazmyn, Genevieve, Amelia, Leila, Daniel, Malakhi, Teagan, and baby Coleman due October 2020; four siblings, Daniel Cooper, Jeanne Cooper, Judi Jones (Roosevelt), and Denise Dowell (Derome); lifelong friends Constance and Virgil Spight, and Kathleen Young (Ronaldo); God-children: Nicci Bates Amberg (Scott), Rhyanne Robinson Sims (Kalonnie), and Adam Robinson; along with a host of cherished loved ones. Lisa was preceded in death by her mother Ruth, father Eugene, stepfather Jessie Fondren, sister Kimmie, and grandson Julian.

Lisa’s grand legacy will live on by letting her light shine through us, her children

Leah: In my life, my best hope is to carry on Mom’s legacy in the love I show my family; encouraging a bond among us that could never be broken. I hope my children see the love of God she taught us all and carry it on in the wonderful people they are becoming. 

Chris: Christopher- Is the name she called me day in and day out. The woman who defined unconditional love. Every time I dance, I will think of you. You kinda set me up, but I got the big picture (and added a few things).  You had the best sense of humor (slightly dry & corny at times) but at least we know where Jilly gets it from. Lol. You've always had my back. You're defense always had the girls telling you, "Christopher could do no wrong in mommy's eyes". We looked at each other and smiled.  You always had comforting words and a quick prayer ready for your children.  You're the first person I called when I got sick the second time. Words can not express this pain I feel and I can't call you anymore.  I close this message and close my eyes asking for God to play your voice in my head and guide me through another prayer.  I know you're in heaven and right where you've prepared yourself to be. It's always been an honor to share the same birthday with such an amazing woman. Enjoy your new chapter of eternal life. You've done a phenomenal job!! I love you...

Kezia: Mommy’s legacy will live on through me with her spirit of gratitude. Her private thoughts (writings) overflowed with gratitude not only as an acknowledgement of her gifts but as a meditation intended to direct her will, emotions, perspective and actions. This discipline guided her through the best and worst of times, leaving an indelible mark on me. Thanks to her, it has become a disciplined practice and source of peace and perspective in my own life. I hope to continue this journey, inspiring and empowering others along the way. 

Jillian: Mommy’s legacy lives on thru me, when I sing the same songs she sang to me as a child, to my children. When I share her love of reading and God with my children, and love them with the pure genuine love my Mother loved me with. Lisa was not only my mother but my best friend who I will truly miss.   

Erica: Mom was a peacekeeper, connector and lifelong learner.  She was never afraid to admit she didn’t know something and spend time diligently pouring knowledge into herself.  I’ll always remember this and ensure my children have her curiosity about the world, the passion for their family and home.  Mom loved arts and culture.  We’ve seen plays together, gone to art festivals and listened to many albums she swore I needed to hear for “real music” purposes. Because of Mom, I keep a record player in the living room and know the likes of Sly and the Family Stone, Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, Santana, Earth Wind & Fire, and of course, Prince.  Most importantly, Mom gave me unlimited boundaries on what the word “family” means.  Cousins, aunts, uncles, god-sisters/brothers and friends alike were all equally welcomed to our home, wherever we lived and vice versa.  She’s an everlasting reminder that kindness matters and family is everything.  Can’t wait for you to visit me in my dreams Mom.