Elsie Clabough Sorey

Elsie Irene Clabough Sorey, Jefferson City, TN (formerly of Knoxville, TN), born May 10, 1928, left her earthly family and friends on April 29, 2025. She now rejoices with loved ones who preceded her in death.

Parents: Mitchell McCown Clabough and Vinia R. Loveday

Siblings: Vernie Clabough Upchurch, Evelyn F. Clabough, Seldon Clabough, Margaret Clabough Castleberry, Juanita Clabough Chadwell, Etta Mae Clabough May, Thomas Clabough, Mabel Clabough

The youngest of eight in a depression era, single parent family, Elsie never knew her father who died in 1930. Her mother held together a meager farm with help from God, neighbors, and friends. One example involved a fireman on the railroad train that ran nearby. He managed to “drop” desperately needed lumps of coal along the track for Elsie and her siblings to gather for heating and cooking at home. Despite the family’s poverty, she witnessed her mother, Vinia, feeding the homeless men who would appear at the door. Even though food supplies were scarce, people in need were never turned away.

As a result, Elsie was known throughout her life for her thriftiness (do not throw away any plastic!) and could extend the life of a Solo cup indefinitely. Her work ethic was epic, and organization made raising four children, doing retail jobs, and running her own business great successes. As a pastor’s wife, she supported the ministry of her then husband, Flonze E. Sorey, in many ways and was privileged to travel to the Holy Land, a most meaningful spiritual experience.

Raising her family was her priority, and she ruled with great love and a firm hand-with expectations of everyone, working together and achieving their very best. Linda Sorey Noonkesser (David), Stanley F. Sorey (Jane), Pamela S. Clark, Brian Paul Sorey (Ginger) will always remember her constant love that supported and encouraged in every and all circumstances. Her children call her blessed, a rock, and a model of a well-lived life.

She even forgave Stan catching the woods on fire, Paul spray painting the inside of the car, Pam dumping the cabinet filled with the summer’s bounty of canned tomatoes, and Linda’s science project involving baby chicks and testosterone injections. Elsie survived many crises including invading animals, missing children, multiple visits to the ER with bleeding kids, and all the while wearing her crisply ironed cotton dress and apron. Her makeup and hair would be done to perfection unless there was a national disaster involving the destruction of the beauty shop.

A natural beauty with a warm, welcoming smile, Elsie was named the Prettiest Girl of 1945 at Powell High School. She did not have the option during those terribly stressful years of WWII to consider a college education, but she excelled in academics and much later got an associate’s degree from Walters State in Early Childhood Education. She successfully owned and operated Tom Thumb Child Care in Jefferson City, TN for twenty years and positively influenced the lives of many young children. Her former students remember many adventures “sailing” on the wooden boat, the USS Tom Thumb along with musical marches, story time, fun filled learning and yummy meals.

Although Elsie had great expertise with young children, she adamantly refused to adopt a cell phone or any other non-essential technology that became available over the century of her lifetime. As an example, call waiting was rejected along with computer usage. She was content to let her children and friends adapt to the rapid changes over the years. In her opinion, a landline phone and basic appliances were sufficient for good living.

In her retirement years, Elsie devoted many hours to visiting in nursing homes, supporting and directing church related projects, Bible study, mowing grass/planting flowers, and cooking for family and friends. Her specialties included loaves of pumpkin bread, chocolate and lemon pies, pound cake and chocolate icing. She and her sisters spent long summer hours freezing and canning produce which the entire family enjoyed throughout the year. They always were on a mission to find and freeze Wolf River and Mutsu apples which later became tasty, cooked apples and pies. During these years, a little dog, Holly, came into her life as a special surprise gift and received much pampering.

In terms of pampering, the grandchildren were very dear to “Ma” and the light of her life: Jason V. Pedone (Kelly), April P. Hollingsworth (Bryan Krieger), Christopher L. Sorey, Amy C. Tolliver (Jamie), Meghan S. Graves (Brian), Brandy McCulley.

Ma was thrilled with the births of great grandchildren including Austin Parsons (Haley), Trent Parsons, Kalli Crespo, Sophia Crespo, and Jillian Pedone. An additional blessing was a great- great grandchild, Aria Parsons.

Elsie had many cherished Trinity United Methodist friends, neighbors and extended family members, especially appreciating the support of Cindy Miller in her later years.

The family requests that memorial gifts be made to First Presbyterian Church, 721 Church St., Jefferson City, TN 37760, designating the neighborhood food ministry, Church St. Café. The church website also may be used at fpcjeffcity.org

Services will be held May 4, 2025 at 2:30 p.m., receiving friends at 1:30 p.m.

Weaver Funeral Home, 5815 Western Ave, Knoxville TN. Interment to follow at Bell’s Campground Powell, TN. The family sends special thanks to the staff at Lifecare Center Jefferson City for their devoted care of Elsie.

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