Elizabeth Still, 78, of Boone, NC, passed away on March 3, 2026 after a long illness. She enjoyed time with friends and family until the very end. In true "Elizabeth" style, she hosted her book club in January, combining two of her favorite things, friends and books, into her last hurrah.

Elizabeth was born on August 20, 1947 in Birmingham, AL, to Edward and Mary Nelson. She grew up in Montgomery, AL, alongside her siblings Malone, Edward, and Nancy. The Nelson home was happy and bustling, a place where friends always loved to hang out. Elizabeth graduated from Robert E. Lee High School in 1965 and went on to study Christian education at Samford University, where she was a member of Zeta Tau Alpha sorority.

At Samford, Elizabeth met Charles Still on a blind date, and they never parted. They married in 1969, had their daughter, Emily, in 1974, and lived in the Atlanta area until 1978. From there, they moved to Columbus, GA, where their son, David, was born. As a young mother, Elizabeth stayed busy at home and volunteered at church. She was active in the Women's Missionary Union and volunteered in Vacation Bible School and other children's ministry programming. She also worked as a kindergarten teacher at Piedmont Baptist Church School in Marietta, GA.

In 1984, the Stills moved to Charlotte, NC, where Elizabeth resided for 35 years. She and Charles started serving in their church, Providence Baptist, where they made fast friends. They were at church every time the doors were open, and they were the last to leave after Sunday morning worship. Elizabeth taught preschool for many years at St. Stephen's UMC and then moved into full-time ministry in 1990 as the Director of Christian Education at University City UMC, but she still kept a foot in the community at PBC. When Charles passed away from cancer in 1995, Elizabeth found herself forging a new path.

After Charles' death, Elizabeth built a meaningful life in Charlotte. She spent years working in church ministry, later serving at Centre Presbyterian in Davidson, NC, and at Westminster Presbyterian in Charlotte. She read voraciously, and she joined a book club that met for over 15 years with friends who became some of her dearest. She invested in her neighbors, young and old alike, and walked with many through difficult life circumstances. She also started traveling and never, ever said no to a trip. She traveled through Europe with friends, into Asia and Africa with her family, and on mission trips. In the last year of her life, she even visited her daughter Emily and her family in the Middle East.

Elizabeth was everyone's best friend, including her sisters and children. If someone needed a listening ear or help with any task, she would make time for them. She was notorious for asking anyone she met all kinds of questions, and people always left a conversation with Elizabeth feeling better. Her smile lit up every space she entered, and being around her meant feeling welcomed, included, and at ease. She truly embodied the Great Commandment, loving God and her neighbor as herself.

For the last five years, Elizabeth lived in Boone, NC, where she built a house next door to her son David and showered love on her grandchildren. Her favorite times were when all of her children and grandchildren were at her house. Though she was exhausted when they left, she loved "being a part of the madness" and would not have traded their visits for the world.

Elizabeth is survived by her daughter, Emily (Randy) Fink of Atlanta; David (Erin) Still of Boone; and her grandchildren Vivian, Walter, and Watson Fink and Ellie and Warner Still. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles, her parents, William Edward and Mary Malone Nelson, and her siblings Malone Nelson Pilgrim and William Edward Nelson, Jr.

A memorial service for Elizabeth will be held at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, March 10 at Providence Baptist Church in Charlotte. The family will receive friends following the service in the church fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, they also request that donations be made to the Scleroderma Research Foundation and Shriners Hospital for Children in honor of her grandson, Watson.

Elizabeth's warm spirit, generosity, and compassion touched the lives of many. She will be deeply missed by her family, many friends, and all who knew her.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.hamptonfuneralnc.com

Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service in charge of the arrangements.