May 18, 1924 ~ October 2, 2026 (age 102)
Mae Sutton Lipham was born May 18, 1924, in Randolph County AL to Lonnie Steven and Belle Allen Sutton. She passed away on October 2, 2026, at the home of her daughter in Lanett, AL. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of more than 60 years, Velpo Lipham, sisters Beulah (Wilson) Reeves, Lottie (Manvin) Gaston, Mildred (Howard) Triplett, Joyce (Rudolph) White, brothers Grady (Cordell) Sutton, Ed (Geneva) Sutton and son- in-law Tim Pitts. She is survived by her daughter Susan Pitts of Lanett, AL, son Steve (Linda) Lipham of Valley, AL, granddaughters Tiffany (Julian) Cudmore of Surrey England, Tess (Dan) Childs of Rochester, MN and great grandchildren Kate and Laila Cudmore of Surrey England and Ellis and Charli Childs of Rochester, MN as well as a host of nieces and nephews.
She answered to many names – Mom, Nanny, Aunt Mae, Mrs. Lipham, Mrs. Mae, Mrs. Velpo, and she was always there to listen to any of those calling on her for advice, prayers or just a casual conversation. She was many things to many people but above all she was a caregiver. She cared for her granddaughters Tiffany and Tessa; from the time they were babies until they were teenagers. Some of their fondest memories centered around summers spent at Nanny’s house, picking vegetables from her garden, climbing trees in her yard, baking biscuits in her kitchen and just spending time with the grandmother that always had all the time in the world for them. She loved to take care of others through the act of cooking. Whether the occasion was somber or celebratory, her friends, family and church knew that she would always arrive with a meal prepared with love and generosity. Her generosity was also displayed in her willingness to share her time. Whether it was a phone conversation or a visit on her front porch, she was always happy to spend time talking with others. She loved freely and was well loved by friends and family alike. Although we will miss her terribly, we are so thankful for the many years she was a vital part of our lives.
She was a member of Huguley Baptist Church where she attended faithfully until advanced age made it difficult.
We would like to thank Dr. Hammond, Dr. David Fagan and the entire staff at Chattahoochee Hospice for the care and kindness shown our mom and Nanny. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Chattahoochee Hospice in her memory.
Graveside services for Mrs. Mae will be held on Sunday, October 11th, 2026, at 2:30 p.m. (EDT) at Hillcrest Cemetery in Lanett, Alabama. Dr Tommy Smith will be officiating. Interment will follow at Hillcrest Cemetery in Lanett, Alabama.
Please visit Mrs. Mae’s Memorial Tribute page at www.johnsonbrownservicefh.com to leave a kind word for her family, to share a memory of Mrs. Mae, or to light a Remembrance Candle in her memory.
Johnson Brown-Service Funeral Home of Valley directing.
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