Grizelle Sutton died at her Hampton Bays home on November 28. She was 80.
Born on February 15, 1935, in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, she was the daughter of Eddie and Bessie Jones Sutton. She was raised in a Christian home and at an early age became a member of the Samuel Shapel Baptist Church in Elizabeth City. She later moved to Long Island and became a member of the Community Baptist Church in Southampton, under the leadership of the late Reverend Raymond Lee, serving on the church’s Usher Board. After relocating to Riverhead, she joined Galilee Church of God in Christ.
Survivors said Ms. Sutton was a devoted mother, one who always put the interests of her children first. She always saw to it that her children were given the best she could provide in loving care, spiritual nourishment and material comforts. She was also a doting grandmother and great-grandmother. She often spoke her mind and would give you advice, even if you didn’t ask for it.
Ms. Sutton was employed as a domestic for more than 30 years in Water Mill. She was dependable, trustworthy and highly appreciated by her employers, Thomas Flemming and Jack Hagstron, survivors said.
She was predeceased by a son, Nathaniel Miller; grandson Jesse Nathaniel Miller; four brothers, Charlie “Jack” Sutton, Woodrow Sutton, Ed Sutton Jr. and Hercules Sutton; and six sisters, Mary Bacon, Myrtle Sutton, Mattie Banks, Annie Sarah Sutton, Willietta Franklin and Bessie Marie Sutton-Roundtree. She is survived by a son, George Sutton and wife Cherie; four daughters, Jessie Herschell and husband Greg, Vanessa Miller-Dicks and husband George, Donna Miller-Smith and husband Jeffrey and Sonna Finney and husband Cameron; daughter-in-law Rose Miller; sisters Cora Stevens and Ruby Grant; sister-in-law Dorothy Sutton; 12 grandchildren, Stephanie, Shakira, Rachel, LeAndre, Felicia, Leonard, Nicole, Jordan, Benjamin, Jeffrey Jr., Matthew, Christina; four great-grandchildren, Dakota, Makyla, Maria, MiKaylah; lifelong friend, James Ladson; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives and friends.
A funeral service was held on December 2 at Galilee Church of God In Christ, with Pastor Dr. Roy L. Pennon, Sr. officiating and Bishop Lonnell Lawson delivering the eulogy. Interment followed at Southampton Cemetery. Funeral arrangements were under the direction of the Brockett Funeral Home in Southampton.