Mary Sutphin

DUBLIN, VIRGINIA: MARY A. WILLIAMS SHEETS SUTPHIN, age 71, of Dublin, VA passed in the loving arms of God on April 23, 2011, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Mary was born October 11, 1939 to Leonard and Bessie Williams of Welch, WV. She attended public school in Smyth County, VA and nursing school in Newport News, VA. She married Jack Sheets on November 28, 1958 and together they owned a successful construction company in Newport News, VA. After moving to Tazewell County, VA, Mary operated a dairy farm in Tannersville and was employed as a dispatcher and deputy with the Tazewell County Sheriffs Department until 1995. Mary moved to Dublin, VA and was married to Jerry Sutphin on October 24, 2008. She was a loving wife and devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother; a loyal and generous friend and a courageous and independent woman. Her love of nature and her joy in living each day to its fullest was an inspiration to all who were blessed to know her. In addition to her parents, Mary was preceded in death by her first husband, Jack Sheets of Dublin, VA and brothers, Connie, Tommy, and Roy Lee Williams of Smyth County, VA. Left to cherish her memory and celebrate her life are husband, Jerry Sutphin of Dublin/Laurel Fork, VA; one daughter Diane and husband Jeff Doyle of Draper, VA; three sons, Jeffery Sheets and companion Teresa Isbill of Pearisburg, VA, Mark Sheets of Radford, VA and Aaron and Jessica Sheets of Greenville, TN; two step-daughters, Pam Sutphin Johnson of Ararat, NC and Cindy Fields of Cana, VA; five grandchildren, Cayla Sheets of Pearisburg, VA, Erica and Taylor Davidson and Falyn Doyle of Draper, VA, and Marcus Sheets and wife Heather of Bristol, TN; four step-grandchildren, Kendra and Chandler Johnson and Casey and Nick Fields; two great-grandchildren and one step-great-grandchild. She is also survived by two brothers, Jack and Delsie Williams of Chilhowie, VA and Bill and MaryJo Williams of Newport News, VA. Mary will also be greatly missed by many nieces, nephews, friends and caregivers. A memorial service and celebration of Mary A. Sutphin's life will be held at Seaver-Brown Funeral Home in Marion, VA on Tuesday, April 26, 2011 with visitation at 6:00 p.m. followed by a funeral service at 8:00 p.m with Reverend Doug Testerman officiating. In lieu of flowers, Mary requested that donations be made to the Grace Baptist Church, 552 East Main St, Dublin, VA 24084. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the family at www.seaverbrown.com. Seaver-Brown Funeral Service and Crematory is serving the Sutphin Family.