Norma Jean Sutton

Norma Jean Sutton (formerly Burns), age 92, of Speedwell passed away November 12, 2022, at LaFollette Court Assisted Living in LaFollette, TN, where she received loving care for the last year.

She was born May 22, 1930, in Speedwell, TN, the daughter of the late Walter and Pearl Evans Burns.

She was a resident of the Red Hill community all her life, living and working on the farm where the family moved when she was five years old so that she could ride the school bus. She enjoyed raising a garden and supplying her family with fresh, canned, and frozen vegetables. She had a life-long love of animals; her pets included birds, fish, cats, and dogs, which she owned since the age of six. Calling and visiting with family and friends was a favorite pastime. Interested in her family history, she conducted extensive genealogical research on the Evans and Burns families. She enjoyed listening to gospel music and singing hymns and previously taught Sunday School. She lived her life according to Proverbs 3:5: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.”

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother Tom Sewell Burns and sister-in-law Marie Sowders Burns, of Middlesboro, KY; her husband Carl Sutton; and good friend Elbert Manning, as well as many beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins.  

Survivors include niece Judy Burns and husband Philip Cerasoli, of Knoxville, TN, cousins and other extended family, and her relatives, friends, and neighbors in the Red Hill community who helped her along the way, especially David and Billie Ann Evans and family; Linda Burns Fultz; Jim Welch; Kaye Standifer; Darian Standifer.

She also received valuable assistance over the years from the East TN Human Resources Agency, Harrogate Senior Citizens meals programs, Amedysis Home Health Care in Tazewell (special appreciation to Jill), and CDE in Tazewell. Many thanks also to Dr. Suzanne Pearman for her kindness and excellent care. At the end of her life, she received care from Amedysis Hospice, but her time at LaFollette Court was a true gift.

The family will receive friends from 1:00-3:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 19, 2022, at Arnett and Steele Valley Chapel in Harrogate, TN. Funeral service will begin at 3:00 p.m. with the Rev. Gary Mundy officiating, eulogy by niece Judy Burns, and music by Linda Ingram and Bebe Campbell. Burial will be in the Red Hill Cemetery immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are suggested to Red Hill Cemetery, Red Hill Baptist Church, or the Claiborne County Animal Shelter. Better still, visit an elderly person in your community to provide a meal, a small repair, or a friendly smile and conversation. Community is essential.

The Arnett & Steele Valley Chapel is honored to be serving the Sutton Family.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Norma Jean Sutton, please visit our floral store.