JoAnn Pethel Barber Sutton

    JoAnn Pethel Barber Sutton, 87, went home to be with her Lord on Saturday, September 16, 2023 at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was a native of Cabarrus County and the daughter of the late Bruner Wertz Pethel and Mary Cline Pethel.

   JoAnn was a longtime member of Springwood Presbyterian Church where she played the organ and piano for over 46 years, participated in the women’s morning circle and church mission trips.  After she retired as a seamstress from Belk’s she faithfully volunteered for Meals on Wheels in her community.  She enjoyed being outdoors, traveling, especially to the lake where she liked to ride on her pontoon boat.  JoAnn was known for her greeting cards, she would send them for birthdays, anniversaries and any other special holiday as well as for her smile that would light up a room.     

   She is survived by her children; Eric Barber (Brenda), Gary Barber (Tammy West), Lisa Shelton (Barry) and Chris Barber, granddaughter; Makayla Barber as well as numerous nieces and nephews. 

She was preceded in death by her husband; Marion Sutton, former husband and father to her children; Carl Barber, parents; Bruner and Mary Pethel, grandchildren; Mary Clarice and Rebecca Lynn, sisters; Ruth Blackwelder and Sue Foster and her beloved fur baby Ginger. 

      A service to celebrate her life will be held on Tuesday, September 19, 2023 at 4:00PM at Springwood Presbyterian Church by Rev. Frank Covington. The burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6:00 – 8:00 Monday, September 18, 2023 at Lowe Funeral Home as well as following the graveside service in the church fellowship hall. 

    The family wants to say thank you to the nurses and staff of Hospice for their care of JoAnn over the last year.

   Memorials may be made to Authoracare Hospice; 914 Chapel Hill Rd., Burlington, NC 27215 or Springwood Presbyterian Church; P.O. Box 5, Whitsett, NC 27377.