Rocky Mount - Bonjour, John Sharpe Sutton, from your beloved mother and sisters, who send love and greetings to you in a letter now that you are an angel doing what you have always loved to do; flying around the world, seeing much more beautiful and happier places than ever before! We are saddened by the "landslide" that brought you down on Friday, January 14, 2022, at age 59. This is a most difficult letter to write, but with your blessings, we would like to share how special of a person you were to us with your family and friends, in addition to how much we love you, how much you loved everyone, and your life's special gifts.
John was born in Nash County, North Carolina on November 23, 1962, the beloved son of Jimmie Earl Sutton and Patsy Lou Driver Sutton. He was predeceased by his daddy, "Sweets", along with his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Herman Eli Sutton, from Elm City, North Carolina and Mr. and Mrs. Ronnie Edward Driver, Sr., from Rocky Mount, North Carolina.
John is survived by his soul mate and mother, Patsy Lou Driver Sutton of Rocky Mount; his two sisters, Tracey Sutton Wright and her husband, Stuart, of Louisburg, North Carolina, and Tammy Sutton Jones and her husband, Wayland, of Rocky Mount. In addition, he leaves behind his nephew, John Huntley Walker Wright and his wife, Amanda, of Centerville, North Carolina, his niece, Maggie Wright Flanagan, and her husband, Jeffrey, of Huntersville, North Carolina, his younger dear niece, Addie Elisabeth Jones, of Rocky Mount, North Carolina; great nieces Hailey and Harper Flanagan and Olivia Gray Vaughan; uncle Ronnie Edward Driver, Jr. and wife, Susan; aunts Jean Sutton Little, Peggy Sutton Coley and husband, Freeman, Ann Sutton Jones; along with many special cousins.
John, a brilliant academic scholar, graduated from Rocky Mount Senior High in 1980 and The University of North Carolina - Greensboro in 1984 with a BA in International Relations, Education, and French studies. His educational interests began when he was seven (7) years old teaching English and History to his little sisters, pet dogs, and imaginary friends. An avid reader, he learned about traveling the world vicariously through the many books he read along with the stories told by his daddy's world travels. John's mission began after his college graduation when he earned his airline attendant flight wings so he could travel the world to see what he read, speak as much French as he could, and enjoy a happy "c'est la vie" experience. When his travel dreams were achieved, he decided it was time to fulfill his other dream of becoming a French teacher where he taught for many years at public and private schools in North Carolina and Florida. As time passed on and his childhood illnesses began to take control over his life, he retired continuing to be his mother's love, a faithful brother and friend, supporter of people in need, teacher of wisdom and life lessons, and a wonderful storyteller that always encouraged a laugh and a smile.
God has now chosen John's pathway receiving his heart's desire. His destination has been fulfilled, and now "allez la plage, votre endroit heureaux." Enjoy your new heavenly home continuing to teach French wearing your angel's wings. You will always be your mother's "Sugar Babe" and your sisters' beloved "Bro." Au Revoir, Jean!
The family would like to thank the Reverend Brandon Dees and Steve Lane for being such dear friends and supporters for John over the years.
A Private Family Service to celebrate John's life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, John's desire was for donations to be made in his memory to Calvary Baptist Church, 505 Englewood Drive, Rocky Mount, North Carolina 27804.
Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.
Service
A Private Family Service to celebrate John's life will be held at a later date.
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family’s loss.
Pat So sorry for your loss. John made our world Shine brighter, we were blessed to have had such a wonderful person in our lives. John was a strong, wise man who’s done a little living and lived it well. We were so blessed to have known John.
RIP John, you will be missed.
In memory of John Sharpe Sutton, Bonnie Williamson lit a candle
To the family of John, I send MY DEEPEST CONDOLENCES. I had the PLEASURE of meeting John back in 1998, when he worked at Marriot Harbor Beach Hotel in Fort Lauderdale. We would meet for cocktails, and often go out dining. John and I had the PLEASURE of seeing FLEETWOOD MAC, in West Palm Beach. He had a wonderful sense of humor. After my moving back and forth from FL to EVIL SYRACUSE, NY, we lost contact. I did however reconnect w him 2 years ago, but I had lost my phone, with all of his contact info. Like I said John was a wonderful and caring person. I used to work with a girl named Rhonda, and her lover was from Mexico, so they called her MEXICO. John always called her Jamacia. Mexico worked at a German restaurant and would often John sauerbraten. John will TRULY BE MISSED; MAY HE BE RESTING IN THE LOVING ARMS OF GOD. 1 more thing when John lost his Dad, MY MOM wrote him a touching Sympathy letter, I know John treasured it. Even months after receiving it, John often smoke about it.
Hello Family and Friends of John Sutton,
I met John at UNCG when we attended University together. We would go out to clubs together and he was the best friend I ever had. I remember his love for the French language and he really dressed sharp. ‘Sharpe’ as his middle name really applies and suits him. I found out he passed in my magazine I get from UNCG. I lost touch with him after he moved to Florida. I really miss him.