Kathleen Sutton

1926 - 2022

Kathleen Humberd Sutton, age 96, died peacefully in her sleep on Monday morning, December 5, 2022, at her home in Parrottsville, Tennessee, after a brief illness. She was born on March 30, 1926, in Bradley County, Tennessee, the fifth child of Chester and Harriet Hughes Humberd.

Kathleen attended Tennessee Wesleyan College in Athens where she met and later married Raymond Sutton in 1947. After finishing at Tennessee Wesleyan, they moved to Knoxville so Raymond could complete a bachelor' degree at the University of Tennessee. Then, after a year of teaching in Lenoir City, Kathleen enrolled at the University of Tennessee to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Education.

Kathleen came to Cocke County in 1949 upon Raymond's employment with the University of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service as the first full-time 4-H agent in the county. She taught at Edwina Elementary School for a year before giving birth to the first of four children. She spent the next 10 years at home raising her family. When the children grew older, Kathleen went back to teaching at Northport Elementary School and Newport Grammar School, where she retired after 21 years of teaching. She was loved by her students and was often mentioned as one of their favorite teachers.

Kathleen led a full life after her retirement. She enjoyed traveling with Raymond both domestically and internationally but treasured most the time she spent with her family. She often said being a mother and grandmother was the best job she ever had. She loved to sew, quilt, and make baskets and was known as an excellent cook. Many friends and international guests enjoyed a good meal and fellowship around her table.

A dedicated member of the First United Methodist Church in Newport for 73 years, Kathleen taught a children's Sunday School class and helped with an early kindergarten program conducted by the church. She loved her church and rarely missed a Sunday. She was also a charter member of the Heartsease Garden Club of Newport and served for many years as a 4-H volunteer.

Kathleen was preceded in death by her husband Raymond Sutton with whom she shared more than 70 wonderful years of marriage; sisters, Gladys and Gaynelle Humberd; brothers, Russell, Layton and Bill Humberd; niece, Donna Humberd; and nephews, Steve and Stanley Humberd. She leaves behind to cherish her memory her sons Stephen Sutton of Knoxville and Dr. David Sutton (Linda) of Parrottsville; daughters Jana Sutton Chambers of Parrottsville and Lilly Sutton of Knoxville; grandchildren Dr. Joseph Sutton (Anna) of Greeneville, Thomas Sutton (Tia) of Malta, Montana, Michael Chambers (Staci) of Durham, North Carolina, Katie Chambers Robertson (Chris) of Parrottsville; and nine great grandchildren,

Kathleen's life will be celebrated during a memorial service at the First United Methodist in Newport on Thursday, December 8, 2022, beginning at 7:00 p.m. The family will receive friends from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the church with the memorial service immediately following. The family will hold a private interment at Union Cemetery in Newport.

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be sent to the First United Methodist Church, 212 Washington Avenue, Newport, TN 37821 or the Tennessee 4-H Foundation, 2621 Morgan Circle, Room 205, Knoxville, TN 37996-4510.

Family and friends may sign the guest register online at: www.manesfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements with Manes Funeral Home.