Shirley Jean (Robinson) Sutton

Shirley Jean Robinson Sutton went home to the Lord on August 8, 2023. She was born in Lenoir County on March 15, 1939 as the only child of Calvin Franklin Robinson and Mamie Boyette Robinson. She spent her childhood years in the small community of Deep Run, North Carolina and attended Deep Run High School. She married William Kenneth Sutton and together they raised two daughters: Shelia Robin Sutton Cayton (Keith) and Jackie Beth Sutton Tice (Tim). Over the years, Shirley and William Kenneth moved throughout North Carolina making many lifelong friends. At each new home, it was important to Shirley to join a new church family. Shirley loved the Lord and put Him first in her life. She made it a priority to raise her girls in a Christian home.

Shirley was a loving nana to six grandchildren: Kenneth Tice (Hilary), Drew Cayton (Cari), Will Cayton, Kelly Tice, Josh Cayton, and Kyle Tice (Holly) whom she adored. Shirley was also blessed to be the big nana to her great-grandchildren: Eliza Cayton, Mallory Cayton, Merida Tice, and Connor Tice. In addition, she is survived by her brother-in-law, Roger Sutton, and sister-in-law, Sue Boyette Sutton, and many nieces and nephews.

Shirley found solace and community at Pine Valley Baptist of Wilmington, NC where she worshiped for over 40 years. She valued the connections she made within her family of faith, especially her circle of friends who have continued their fellowship over the years.

In her professional life, Shirley had a successful career in the banking industry for over four decades. She retired from BB&T (previously Carolina Savings) in 2004.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Calvin Franklin Robinson and Mamie Boyette Robinson, and her beloved husband, William Kenneth Sutton.

A celebration of her life will be on Friday, August 11, 2023 at Howard-Carter Funeral Home in Kinston, NC at 2:00 p.m. Visitation will be one hour before the service with burial following the service at Westview Cemetery in Kinston.

The family would like to thank the wonderful caregivers at Home Instead in New Bern, NC and Transitions LifeCare Hospice in Raleigh, NC for the special care they provided.

Memorial contributions may be made to Pine Valley Baptist Church, 3940 Shipyard Blvd., Wilmington, NC 28403, Transitions LifeCare Hospice, 250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, NC 27607, or to a charity of your choice.