BRYSON CITY – Judy Evelyn Grant Sutton, 83, our beloved wife, mother and Nana went home to be with Jesus in heaven Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026, after a long, courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease.
Judy was born to Kenneth and Helen Thomas Grant Nov. 21, 1942, in Franklin, which was the nearest hospital in the area at that time. Judy grew up in the Kirkland’s Creek area of Bryson City and graduated from Swain County High School in 1961. She went on to attend Western Carolina University where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Home Economics in 1965.
Judy married the love of her life, Maurice Mac Sutton, Aug. 25, 1962, and together they raised daughters, Lynn (Steve) Pressley and Donna (Jerry) Adams. Judy and Mac were married 63 years.
Judy wanted to become a nurse like her mother, but she soon realized that she was squeamish at the sight of blood. Her strong passion for helping others led her to become a social worker instead. Judy devoted 30 years of her life to Haywood County Social Services where she served most of that time as the Adult Primary Care Supervisor until her retirement in 1995.
Judy helped countless adults and families over the years to live better lives and for that, we are very proud of her. She also gave generously to several children’s charities to further her commitment to helping others.
Judy was strong in her Baptist faith. She sang in the church choir and a quartet and taught many years of children’s Sunday School, AWANA and Vacation Bible School. She loved little children, and her compassion and kindness made a lasting impression in the lives of many kids.
Judy loved her family and spoiled them with her great cooking and her love for shopping. She knew where all the sales were and could usually find a good bargain. If any family member was looking for something particular, all they needed to do was mention it to Judy and she would find it for them and usually on sale!
She always gave everyone multiple gifts at Christmas time and enjoyed sitting back and watching them open all the presents on Christmas day. One of her gifts was always her delicious peanut brittle and fudge that she made every holiday season.
Judy was blessed with three grandchildren, Michael and Faith Pressley and Hannah Adams (Caleb) Sullivan. She also had three great-grandchildren, Nellie Pressley and Jackson and Lilah Sullivan.
Judy and Mac moved from Swain County to work and live in Haywood County for 55 years but decided to move back to the Sutton family farm in Bryson City in 2022.
Judy will be remembered for her compassion and strong desire to help others, her loving devotion to her family and friends, her kindness and generosity and her unwavering courage and strength.
In the last season of her life, Judy received outstanding care at home from her husband and daughters who tirelessly gave of themselves day and night making sure she was comfortable and her needs were met with love. The family would like to thank Four Seasons Hospice Care for their help and support in Judy’s final weeks.
The family received friends at 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 10, at Victory Baptist Church in Bryson City with the service following at 2 p.m. A graveside service with family was held at the Sutton Family Cemetery afterwards.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Sutton Family Cemetery Fund, C/O Donna Sutton Adams United Community Bank, 145 Slope Street, Bryson City, NC 28713 or by contacting a family member.
Judy E. Sutton
