Beverly R. Sutton

Passed away September 8, 2013 at 83 years old. Loving wife of Donald P., mother of Timothy (Lynette) and Terrence (Lisa). Grandmother to Adam (Mardi), Kevin (Lauren), Andrew (Janine) Sutton, Kimberly (Mike) Eberhardt, Christine (Chad) Hagans and Matthew Osborn. Great-Grandmother to Karlee, Sutton, Jennica, Kendall, Carson, Garrett and Levi. Sister of Patricia (Dan) Reed, James (Ann), and late Roy Jr. (Bonnie) Crawford, and late Bette (James) Reason. Sister-in-law of Donna Jean (Doyle) Wright and Wm. Lynn Sutton. Aunt to many nieces and nephews.

Born in Ft. Wayne, Indiana Beverly was the third oldest of five children born to Roy and Alice Crawford. As a youth Beverly enjoyed interacting with her large extended family and helping on the family farm. She graduated from Jefferson Center High School as a lettered athlete and cheerleader as well as valedictorian of her class. Upon graduation Beverly went to work for the abstract firm of Kuhne & Co. A year after graduating from high school Beverly married Donald Sutton. They immediately moved to Chicago where Donald was employed and began a life together that would surpass 64 years. While in Chicago they welcomed their first son. Their second son came two years later following a move back to Indiana.

In 1954 Beverly and Donald purchased their first home on Harrison St. in Garden City and launched their life as homeowners and active parents. Beverly and Donald were involved members of Cherry Hill Christian Reform Church. Beverly participated in the Women's Circle, helped run the annual Bible School, orchestrated church suppers and taught Sunday School. As her children grew and their interests turned to sports, Beverly could be seen helping with batting and pitching practice. Her loud cheers could always be heard from the sidelines of the little league games.

A new phase of life opened for Beverly when she became one of the earliest students at the newly established Schoolcraft Community College. She earned an Associates Degree while balancing her roles as wife, mother and student. No matter how busy she was, you could always count on there being a big container of homemade cookies and a pot of one of her delicious soups on hand to feed her family and any visitors.

Following in her husband's footsteps as an employee of the Ford Motor Co., Bev started an almost 20 year career at Ford as a secretary and later as a program planner. They enjoyed spending as much time together as possible, so during the period they were both employed by Ford Don and Bev drove to work and ate lunch together everyday, it was a testament to their long and enduring love. A move to a home in Dearborn shortened their daily commute and following their joint retirement, a new condo in Ann Arbor became their home.

When grandchildren came along, Beverly was excited to watch them at their many activities and take them for rides in her convertible. Sunday dinners were a chance for the grandchildren to have the run of the basement and to shoot their own made-up games of pool. Beverly was the grandmother and great-grandmother that you would find sitting on the floor playing with miniature cars or having a tea party.

Beverly and Donald were very generous over their lifetime and made contributions to many individuals and organizations; her family has selected the American Red Cross of Southeastern Michigan and the American Cancer Society for memorial contributions in her honor.

Beverly will lie in state Tuesday, September 10 from 2:00 to 8:00 pm at Harry J. Will Funeral Home, 37000 Six Mile Rd., Livonia, MI. A funeral service will take place at the funeral home on Wednesday, September 11 at 12:00 noon. There will be viewing prior to the service from 11:00 until 12:00 noon. She will be interred at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, MI following cremation.