Elizabeth "Lizzie" (Watkins) Sutton

Elizabeth “Lizzie” Watkins Sutton, age 101, peacefully transitioned from this Earth and into the arms of Jesus on the morning of July 1st, 2022, at Graybrier Nursing & Rehabilitation Center. She was lovingly met by her true love, Marshall, so they could celebrate their 86th wedding anniversary together.

She was born in Bryson City, N.C. on August 17th, 1920 a daughter of the late Arthur and Cora Lee Watkins.

Elizabeth was married to Marshall Locke Sutton on June 25th, 1936, and they were married for 65 wonderful years until his passing on April 21, 2003. Elizabeth was also preceded in death by several siblings, as well as other family members.

She is survived by four daughters: Bonnie Osborne, Ruth Maynard, Marie Barnes, and Helen Rich (Robert), two siblings, Dillard & Ada, as well as 16 grandchildren and many other generations.

She was an active member of God’s Little Chapel as long as her health permitted and she taught Sunday school for many years. Often times, she would come to the homes of others and get their children dressed for church and bring them with her so they would have the opportunity to come and learn about Jesus— just one of many examples of Grandma Sutton being a faithful servant during her 101 years on this earth.

Elizabeth was also known for her kind, loving, and sweet spirit — always giving a sweet, beautiful smile so big that it always made each person that came into contact with her feel special and personally loved by her, and they were. Many at Graybrier have said that she was their favorite resident and they always looked forward to walking by her room and speaking to her because she was always so happy and smiled at everyone in her line of vision, no matter how bad she may hfave been feeling some days.

In her lifetime, Elizabeth was known as “Grandma Sutton” to all who knew her. She will always be fondly remembered by her family as being a natural caregiver, having not only raised her own children but also many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved always taking care of others and did so until her last day on Earth, as she cared for her newest baby that was gifted to her and she bonded with so closely during the pandemic. Her baby doll got her through the last couple years and gave her one final mission to complete on Earth, her life’s calling of caring for others.

A Celebration of Elizabeth’s life will be held Thursday, July 7, 2022 at 1 p.m. in the Sechrest-Davis Chapel by her grandson, Jake Summers and Greg Noe. Burial will follow in Floral Garden Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Thursday from 11 a.m. until the service. Memorials may be directed to Brenner Children’s Hospital. The family would like to thank the staff of Graybrier for their loving care of Lizzie.