June 28, 1928 – April 12, 2026
Elizabeth Denson “Libba” Lipscomb left peacefully from her home to be with the Lord on Sunday morning, April 12, 2026.
Libba was born in Opelika on June 28, 1928, to Nimrod D. and Elizabeth R. Denson. She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, and her sister—Nimrod Denson, Charles Denson, and Carolyn Channon—as well as by her beloved husband, McAdory Lipscomb, who passed away in 1993.
She is survived by her younger brother, John V. Denson of Opelika; her five children, McAdory Lipscomb (Marilyn), Jr. of New Milford, Connecticut; Denson Lipscomb (Anne) of Auburn; Freddie Killian (Al) of Auburn; Nim Lipscomb (Tamra) of Auburn; and John Lipscomb of Birmingham. Libba was also blessed with nine grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren, and many loving nieces and nephews.
A graduate of Clift (Opelika) High School in 1946, Libba attended Huntingdon College and Alabama Polytechnic Institute (now Auburn University) before eloping with Mac in 1949. After short stays in Columbus and Augusta, Georgia, the couple returned home to Auburn in 1952 when Mac purchased Toomer’s Drugstore, where they built their life together and raised their family.
In the early years of her marriage, Libba balanced two full-time jobs—raising five children and helping with the family business. Her devotion to family, however, extended well beyond her own household. A passionate historian and genealogist, Libba dedicated much of her life to researching her proud Rush family heritage. Along with her cousin Rosalind, she coauthored The Rush Memoirs in 1977, a work filled with letters, photographs, and vivid accounts of the family’s history prior to the Civil War. Her extensive research collections have been donated to the Auburn University Archives.
Libba was an active member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and The Jamestowne Society, and for many years she served as the driving force behind the Rush Family Reunion, which gathered relatives from across the country every five years.
She delighted in entertaining her children and grandchildren with legendary Easter egg hunts and, in later years, enjoyed quiet afternoons at home working on jigsaw puzzles or playing Rummikub. Her love of games and her spirited competitiveness may have stemmed from countless marathon bridge sessions and her many years as a devoted Auburn football fan—always proud of her fifty-yard-line seats.
Libba cherished her friends, her church, and her community. Their love and companionship sustained her throughout her later years. She was known for her welcoming smile, her ever-present cup of coffee, and her ability to produce the perfect remedy for any visiting chocoholic.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Grace United Methodist Church in Auburn, with visitation at 10:00 a.m. and the service at 11:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Libba’s favorite charity, The Museum of East Alabama (121 S. 9th Street, Opelika, AL 36801), or to a charity of your choice.
Frederick-Dean Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
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