City Faces: Meet Davette Stout
By Julie Perine on March 02, 2025 from City Faces
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This week’s Bridgeport City Face is Davette Buckhannon Stout, a lifelong resident of the city. Davette and I graduated BHS together. Through high school reunions and the small town in which we live, I have seen her throughout the years. Recently, she underwent amputation surgery due to an infection in her leg. The resilience she has shown is inspiring. I thought you should meet her.
What is a memory of Bridgeport you would like to share?
I used to live across the creek from the fire department. It was a real joy to watch when the Fireman’s Fair started. I would climb my favorite tree and watch the crew put the rides together and set everything up.
Tell me a little about your family …
My grandmother had a tailor shop on Main Street near what is now the karate place. Years ago, it was Pure Food. They purchased the property across the creek from the fire department and built a house in 1963. My grandfather was a coal miner. They both loved the outdoors. We spent many times camping and fishing.
I have a son, Tristan Knight, who is a chef at Stone Tower Brews and has also worked at Wonder Bar. He and his wife, Kara, blessed me with three beautiful grandchildren. I have been married to my sweetheart Rusty Stout for five years.
What is something you love about the City of Bridgeport?
Bridgeport residents always pull together when needed. The support in this little town is amazing.
What are your hobbies and/or line of work?
I spent most of my years in retail. I was working seasonal at Freed’s and loved working there. Taking care of plants and being outside made it perfect for me. Plus, it is only a couple miles away from our house. As for hobbies, I am currently making jewelry and other items from silverware and I also make items from pallets.
What is something you are passionate about and why?
The first thing that comes to my mind is the Waldo Hotel in Clarksburg. The building was stunning in its prime. I feel very attached to it. My grandmother took care of Mrs. Goff. I spent a lot of time in the Goff house. I guess my feelings come rom the fact the Judge Goff had a large part in the Waldo being built.
What is your favorite color?
It has to be red. I am a Bridgeport Indian fan so red is worn for support.
What is your favorite movie and/or TV show?
My favorite movies are “Ghost” and “Pretty Woman." I love watching CSI, NCIS, Rookie and The Voice.
What about music?
I was raised in the 70’s with some great music from different genres. Older country music is probably my favorite. But the music from the 60s and 70s are forever, no matter the genre.
What are your favorite foods?
Pasta in any form! Pizza is always good.
Do you like to travel? Where is someplace special you have been?
My husband, Rusty Stout, and I go to 
Pigeon Forge every year for vacation. We considered moving there but family is here.
Pigeon Forge every year for vacation. We considered moving there but family is here.
What is an interesting fun fact about you or anything else you would like to share?
Having my leg amputated above the knee has been the hardest thing I’ve ever had to handle. It is a challenge every day. Each day is full of frustration. I’ve only been married to my high school love for five years. This “challenge” has shown me how much he loves me. He takes very good care of me. I don’t like the term “disabled.” I prefer “differently abled.” Humor is what gets me through each day. I can’t change what happened and it definitely is not growing back. But a person learns who they are deep down inside. I try to stay strong and not give up. There are some days where I just “don’t wanna,” but I still manage to find a way to hang on. This happened to me for a reason. I'm not sure what that reason is, but I'm stillhere. I am determined to walk without assistance. My goal is to be able to walk in our yard, work in the garden, take care of my flower beds and be able to help with outside work.
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