Orlene Campbell Sutton

Raleigh, North Carolina - Orlene Campbell Sutton, 102, loving mother, grandmother and great grandmother, went to be with the Lord on October 25, 2024. She was born in Waterloo, IA on May 6, 1922 to Donald and Florence Campbell.

Orlene attended Lindenwood College in St. Charles, MO, where she obtained a degree in Fashion Design. It was there that she met Sheldon Lloyd Sutton on a blind date that her sister, Avonne, had arranged. Shortly after several dates, Sheldon went to fight in WWII as a young Navy pilot, responsible for his crew of eleven members. Upon his return, Sheldon and Orlene were married on June 24, 1944, and remained in wedded bliss for 76 years. Sheldon preceded Orlene in death.

When Orlene was in her early twenties she was forced to make a choice; either to sing and play the piano on the radio at a Chicago station or to become a young “war bride”. The small wedding was very intimate due to the war; however, Orlene’s mother was able to travel by train from Iowa to attend the wedding in La Jolla, California. Orlene was an excellent pianist and played in her children’s Sunday school classes. Nina (as she was lovingly called), her mother and sister, Avonne, could harmonize while singing together. They had beautiful, mellifluous voices and could harmonize as well as any professionals. Nina was exceptional at everything she did. She took a few art classes and painted several family keepsakes. Her sewing was so beautifully sewn that the inside of the garment was as neatly done as the outside. While attending college she knitted some beautiful outfits and she was always one of the best dressed anywhere. The last knitting she accomplished was to knit three large beautiful afghan blankets as gifts to her family.

As her contribution to the WWII effort, she worked as a draftsman for John Deere, hand printing the manuals to construct machine parts for aircraft, such as the tail hook for ship ward bound aircraft. As a career Officer’s Navy wife, Nina had the major responsibility for the children and running the household. And due to the norm of military life, she was responsible for dealing with each move, having all the packers before the move and after relocating, setting up new households. That was the case after living in : La Jolla, CA; Chicago, IL; Lexington Park, MD; Carmel Vally, CA; Pensacola, FL; VA Beach, VA(3 times); San Juan, Puerto Rico; Newport, RI; Norfolk, VA; Alameda, CA; Arlington, VA; Annapolis, MD and their final residence in Raleigh, NC.

One of the many highlights of Sheldon’s career was when he was selected as one of the originators of the Senior Staff College, a special course for senior officers from allied navies. That course continues today as a component of the Naval War College in Newport, RI. As a result of that assignment, Orlene and Sheldon entertained senior naval officers from around the world, most of whom went on to be leaders of their navies, and many of whom became enduring lifelong friends. This was a great benefit when Nina and Sheldon traveled to many countries, during their retirement, such as Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Japan, Thailand, and Taiwan where they knew top dignitaries. They were treated like dignitaries themselves.

Military connections were always part of their lives. While living in Annapolis, Maryland, Nina was a tour guide at the United States Naval Academy. Family updates from squadron members were sent with Christmas cards each year. Additionally, Sheldon and Nina were responsible for the organizing of his Navy Squadron reunions, held in special areas such as Annapolis, MD; San Diego, CA; and Pensacola, FL among others. These group gatherings were filled with festivities, tours, and evening gatherings for several days, giving everyone time to update the group about family events and remembering the war years. Nina also enjoyed meeting with the Retired Officers Wives in Raleigh. The group of women would meet once a month to socialize while playing bridge or just having a luncheon. At Christmas they would have a “progressive” party with the husbands and wives. They would have cocktails at one home, dinner at the next home and dessert at the final home.

Nina was beloved and admired by all who knew her. She had a loving heart, profound grace, dignity and kindness. She set the standard for living a wonderful life. Nina is survived by her children: Sheldon (Pat) Sutton, Gregory (Ann) Sutton, Sydney Cheryl Sutton (daughter and caretaker); grandchildren: Zachery (Margaret) Sutton, Andrew (Mimi) Boran, and Nancy Travers (deceased); and great grandchildren: Travers Carry, and Ann Gardner Eubank, Luke Boran and Campbell, Ellie and Elizabeth Sutton. She had many special friends including Elsie Baily, Fran Pappas, Zan Bunn, and Bill and Joanne Lawson. Immediate relatives Louis Williams, Marcy Tremain and Craig Sutton (deceased), of Spring Hill, Tenn.

Nina is at peace now and united with her greatest love, Sheldon. Nina’s spirit and memories will continue to bless those who knew and loved her.

The memorial service and celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, November 23, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at Brown Wynne Funeral Home, 1701 E. Millbrook Road, Raleigh.

Burial will be at Arlington National Cemetery where she will be buried with her husband, CDR Sheldon Sutton (retired), to be scheduled at a future date.

The family will receive friends immediately following the service.

A Memorial Donation may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital 800-805-5856.