TWILA STOUT, February 8, 1938-November 27, 2023

I have known Twila Stout for more than 40 years. We originally met when I was the Merced County Librarian, and she worked in the main library. I was quickly impressed with her warmth, intelligence and sense of humor. One day I invited her out to lunch. As Twila has said many times – “Be wary of Bosses inviting you out to lunch.” I told her about the Business and Professional Women’s organization and invited her to join the Merced BPW, which she did. When anyone asked Twila how she became a BPW member, she would tell this story. When Merced BPW closed, she joined East Los Angeles-Montebello BPW (my Club) even though she was a long way from East Los Angeles-Montebello. When we were on Zoom, she would Zoom in, but only attended one in-person meeting and that was when she stayed with me for a couple of days. She also was a Dual Member of Berkeley and Downtown Sacramento BPW Clubs and would attend those meetings via Zoom.

She was born in Rose Bud, Arkansas, but left there as a child. She graduated from school in Merced. She married a contractor George “Bud” Stout so flew with him to various places around the United States where he was working. They had a son Tim, a daughter Terri, four grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and seven great- great-grandchildren. The marriage ended in divorce.

When Twila retired from the Merced County Library (although she never did really retire, but filled in at various branches when staff members were on vacation or sick), we had a roast-type program for her at the park behind the library. A large group of people from the community attended including the editor of the “Merced County Times” turned out to say they will miss her in the library.

Besides being active in BPW, she was a “Red Hat Lady” and active in Beta Sigma Phi, Merced Woman’s Club, Friends of the Merced County Library, AARP and ACPCA. She was most active in Toastmasters’ International and was in fifteen Clubs. She was the judge for many of their competitions and programs in California, the United States and around the world. She was also a mentor. The day after she died, she was to participate in the Singapore Toastmasters. They wondered why she was not there on Zoom. Twila was a wonderful storyteller.

Twila will be missed by all who knew her. Let’s all raise a glass of Coke to her as that is what she would have each day for breakfast, and let’s all continue to support and mentor others.

Linda Wilson, President, East Los Angeles-Montebello BPW

Jackie Melvin

See below submission from NFBPWC California Federation

With Profound Sadness from Barbara Bozeman

You may not know this, but within the small and mighty band of sisters, known as NFBPWC-North Carolina most of our members are Past State Presidents for BPW/NC. A few months ago, another past president joined our ranks – Gail Bradshaw Harper, from Kenansville, North Carolina.

I’m sad to report that Gail passed away on December 19th, 2023.

What I can tell you about Gail is that she was a kind and generous friend. We could and often did spend hours just chattering away like parrots, talking about so many things – and not just our BPW connection. She loved travelling and architecture. So many times, we talked about taking a road trip up to where I was from in RI because she always wanted to tour the mansions. She was also a competitive horsewoman in her youth. She talked of those days with great pride and joy.

Barbara Bozeman, Gail Harper and Marsha Riibner-Cady during Installation of Barbara as NC President

In her professional life, numbers were her “thing.” Gail spent many years working for others in accounting and then opened her own successful business “Accounting Solutions by Gail Harper” in her hometown of Kenansville.

She first joined BPW in 2004 and after only 4 years working at the club level, she stepped up to serve and enhance the North Carolina state organization and from 2010 to 2011, she served as the State President.

She was motivated to help anyone in need – and a great believer in and supporter of what the Business and Professional Women’s Clubs are all about. She championed many causes and helped support many efforts, the impact of which is immeasurable.

She is survived by her husband Wyatt, daughters Jessica and Jamie, and grandchildren, Ariel, Chloe, Nelson, and William and her brother Gary. She adored and cherished her family.

Most of you will never have the privilege of knowing Gail as we did. I know I speak for the North Carolinians when I say - We loved her very dearly, and we shall miss her so very much.