July 24, 2024, 93, Mount Olive —

Mary Dallas Cottle Sutton, 93, long time Mount Olive resident, found eternal rest Wednesday evening, July 24, 2024, while being cared for at Kitty Askins Hospice Center.

Mrs. Sutton was born in the little Duplin County town of Teachey and was raised in Faison, where she was the only girl amongst seven brothers. In 1947 she married Harold Lloyd Sutton, and they made Mount Olive their home. Their marriage lasted for over 50 years until his passing in 1999.

Mrs. Sutton was a long-time member of the First Christian Church of Mount Olive and had been a former member of the Mount Olive Garden Club. An astute businesswoman, she had owned and operated Mary’s Dress Shop in downtown Mount Olive until her retirement.

Always well-dressed and fixed-up, she enjoyed her backyard garden and gazebo at her home. Referred to as being “the General,” she was a “large and in-charge” lady who would say what she thought and meant what she said.

In years past, she enjoyed being on the golf course with her fellow lady golfers, and she enjoyed a good game of cards amongst her card-playing buddies.

Surviving her are a son and daughter-in-law, Harold Lloyd Sutton, Jr. and Susie Sutton of Bluffton, SC; a brother and sister-in-law, Ned and Janet Cottle of Goldsboro; four grandchildren, Dallas Grey Sutton and wife, Carrie, Holly S. Balance and husband, Josh, Jenna S. Elliott and husband, Austin, and Tanner Sutton and wife, Ristine; six great-grandchildren, Ava Sutton, Presleigh Sutton, Sutton Elliott, Reeves Elliott, Palmer Sutton, and Sayer Sutton; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by a son, Henry Dallas Sutton; her husband, Harold Lloyd Sutton; her parents, James Clarence Cottle and Nettie Carroll Cottle; six of her brothers, John, Tommy, Bobby, Lee, Will, and James Cottle; and a sister-in-law, Mary Dell Sutton Rhodes and husband, Bryan.

The life of Mrs. Mary Dallas Sutton will be reflected upon at a graveside service to be held Saturday, July 27, at 11 a.m. at Wayne Memorial Park. Officiating will be Pastor Billy Rose. The celebration of her life will continue with fellowship and a reception to follow at her residence.

In lieu of flowers, it is suggested that memorial gifts be made to Kitty Askins Hospice, 107 Handley Park Court, Goldsboro, NC 27534.