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Crystal Sutton Obituary
A lifelong activist for the working class poor, she was key in bringing union representation to J.P. Stevens Mills in Roanoke Rapids, the first textile mill in the South to be unionized. She went on to be an eloquent spokeswoman for the working people, giving addresses worldwide. Her story was portrayed in the 1979 movie, "Norma Rae." In 2007, she donated her letters and papers to Alamance Community College saying, "I didn't want them to go to some fancy university; I wanted them to go to a college that served the ordinary folks."
After moving to Burlington, she earned her CNA certificate from ACC. In later years, she operated a day care center where a generation of children received the loving attention of "Meemaw." As a wife, mother, grandmother, activist, friend and wise woman, she will be greatly missed.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the whole Hospice family for their love and compassion during Mrs. Sutton's illness and to our Lord God for blessing this family with her love and laughter throughout the years.
She is survived by her husband of 30 years, Lewis Preston Sutton Jr.; daughters, Elizabeth J. Watts and special friend Jim Sykes, and Renee Jordan; sons, Mark Jordan and wife Jonie, Jay Jordan and wife Cathy, and Eric Paul Sutton; sisters, Geraldine Greeson and Syretha Medlin; sister-in-law, Sandra Pulley; grandchildren, Jordan Watts Wilson, Cale Jordon, Jake Jordan, Lauren Jordan, Brandy Robertson and husband Mark, Jessica Pope and husband Joey, Kimberly Jordan, John Mack and Jody Carlson; and great-grandchildren, Isley Maness, Chanse Wilson, Leea Wilson, Issak Robertson, Kelsey Robertson and Mason Pope.
She was preceded in death by parents, Albert Joe Pulley and Odell Blythe Pulley; and brother, Bobby Pulley.
A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2009, at the McClure Funeral Home Chapel in Graham with the Rev. Walter Jones officiating.
A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service on Sunday at McClure Funeral Home in Graham, and other times at the residence of the son, Jay, at 2389 Willowview Dr., Graham.
Memorials may be made to the Crystal Lee Sutton Foundation at Truliant Federal Credit Union, P.O. Box 26000, Winston-Salem, N.C. 27114-6000.
Condolences may be made at www.mcclurefuneralservice.net
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Crystal Sutton
James E Magee
October 29, 2024
My deepest condolences to the family
Alicia Wilkins
September 20, 2009
Am truly sorry for your loss. Many years ago I worked with Crystal. I can still remember her kindness and humor. My thoughts and prayers are with you all, she was a great inspiration to many. God Bless and Keep you always. Much love.
Keith Askew
September 15, 2009
I was very saddened to hear the news of Mrs Sutton's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with her family. As a childhood friend of her son Mark in Roanoke Rapids I only casually knew her in my younger years. The last time I saw her was in 1981 when she was speaking at NCSU. We had a nice talk and she was an inspiration to me to work hard and overcome some of the obstacles that you encounter when you come from modest means and grow up in a smaller town. I wish I could have known her better in my adult years; I'm sure she was inspirational to the many people she touched over the past years. Mark, I wish you and your family peace during this difficult time.
Angie Maness Reynolds
September 14, 2009
Thinking of you and the family. Heaven can only be a sweeter place with your mom there.
September 14, 2009
I met Ms. Sutton when she visited our local union (UAW Local 863 in Cincinnati). I was so impressed by her that we named our granddaughter for her. Ms Sutton was aware of this and seemed to be very pleased. I will miss her Christmas cards, we exchanged cards for several years. She always sent a nice note with her cards. She really made an impact for the labor movement. A fantastic LADY in every sense of the word. They don't make them like her any more. My sincere condelences to her family. Rest in peace and God's speed.
MARY ANDERSON
September 14, 2009
I WILL MISS CRYSTAL VERY MUCH. SHE AND MY MOTHER WERE NEIGHBORS AND FRIENDS. SHE ALSO KEPT MY DAUGHTERS WHEN MOM WAS IN THE HOSPITAL. SHE WAS SO SPECIAL. SHE IS AT REST NOW.
WITH DEEPEST SYMPATHY,
MARY ANDERSON
SCOTT CHAMBERLAND
September 14, 2009
REST IN PEACE
Sheila Street
September 14, 2009
I was saddened to hear of Crystal's passing. She was an inspiration and will be missed. May God Bless and comfort your family.
cynthia griffin
September 14, 2009
She was so very brave.She made an impact in so many lives for the better.THANK-YOU
Gary, Tena & Matt Davis
September 14, 2009
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow. To the world she was "Norma Rae" but to us, she was just Meemaw. We truly loved her.
Rhonda (Wright) Bunton
September 14, 2009
I'm so sorry to hear of your loss, Crystal was a good friend and was always helping others. She was special to me because she was there for me at a time in my life that I truly needed a Mother and she is the one person that I looked up to as a Mother, friend.... She will be missed by many, may god be your comforter in this time of your lives.
Sincerly,
September 13, 2009
The entire family has my deepest sympathies. I hope God grants you peace and comfort in this time of sorrow.
Sherry Harris
September 13, 2009
I admired Crystal's strength and her faith. She will be missed.
A friend,
Sherry Harris
John & Deborah Cook & family
September 13, 2009
Crystal was a very sweet and knowledgeable woman. We lived next door to her for 11 yrs. During that time she was always there for my family and I. She taught my kids alot as they were growing up and always asked "How are my boys" when she came over. She will be greatly missed.
Lisa and Jeff Hickman
September 12, 2009
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
Ashley Wilson
September 12, 2009
MEEMAW, I am gonna miss you so much...with your prayers I know I am where I am now in my life because of you and same goes for Jordan...Thank you for being you...Jesus has a new wonderful Angel..<3 you
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