March 1, 2022, 81, La Grange –
Martha Faye Walker Sutton, 81, entered into the presence of her Lord on Tuesday, March 1, 2022. Faye was born in Wayne County to the late Barry Swift and Sally Ann Barwick Walker on September 16, 1940.
Faye was a loving mother to two children which she adoringly referred to as “her knee baby and her pee baby.” She was also a devoted wife, sister, aunt, mother-in-law, and proud Mema. Many friends of the family called her Mema or Mema Fuzzy. A deep love for family created a close bond with Faye and her brothers and sisters throughout life. Known by Faye’s husband as “The Doctors”, seeing the sisters arrive with their well-kept appearance and beautiful white hair was a sure sign that everything was going to be okay. Faye’s white hair and crystal blue eyes were an appropriate accompaniment to the beautiful heart she had within her. Soft-spoken, sincere, and sweet as sugar, Faye’s gentle spirit was evident to all she encountered.
Serving the youngest members of the families in La Grange, Faye opened the La Grange Childcare Center in a two-story house on Railroad Street before expanding to the present-day location on Washington Street. Through her 42-year career in childcare, she poured her time, love, and compassion into the lives of countless children over multiple generations. Caring for as many as 74 children at the time for up to twelve hours a day, Faye had the patience to get through any hectic situation. Helping to raise half of La Grange, Faye often saw adults she had cared for as children and remained invested in their life and well-being. Her love for the children was equally matched by her care of the staff she employed. Their loyalty to her was but a reflection of her love towards them.
Always maintaining an immaculate yard, Faye took great pride in her flower beds and potted plants for which she cared for on her patio. From weeding to planting and spraying to pruning, Faye could do it all and delighted in the task. Believing in a well-kept home at all times, she maintained both an “indoor” and “outdoor” walker to make sure no dirt crossed the threshold. Her pantry was always fully stocked, which was a testament of how giving and prepared she was in all things. She was always ready to cook a meal for family, friends, and her church family, in good times and bad.
When Faye was in the kitchen, it didn’t matter if she was feeding two or forty, there was more than enough food to go around. Sunday dinners contained a spread of dishes, for she knew exactly what everyone liked and made sure there was something on the table for everyone. Faye wanted all of her family to leave her home with full stomachs and full arms, carrying the leftovers home for more enjoyment. Everything from her kitchen was a wonderful treat. It may not have been healthy, but it sure was good. Faye often stated she wasn’t sure if the food was “fittin’ to eat”, but her family knew it always was.
Possessing a deep faith in her Lord and Savior, Faye was a charter member of Trinity Missionary Baptist Church. One of a few charter members left, she faithfully served her Lord through His congregation for over seventy years.
A service to celebrate and remember Faye’s life will be held in the chapel of Rouse Funeral Home at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 5, 2022 with Rev. Dave Fishman and Rev. Dr. Brad Mitchell officiating. The family will receive friends for a time of visitation from 1:00 p.m. – 2:15 p.m. prior to the service. Committal will follow the service at Fairview Cemetery.
Faye is survived by her children, Michael Sutton (Teresa) and Shannon Moore (Ralph); grandchildren, Matthew Sutton (Tracy), Kaitlyn Moore, and Heather Moore Perry (Steve); great-grandchildren, Atalie Perry and Eli Williams and; siblings, Shirley Lawrence and Jean Hobbs; sisters-in-law, Betty Walker, Barbara Walker, Shirley Sutton, and Dot Sutton; her faithful neighbor, Glenn Lanier; and many beloved nieces and nephews; as well as many grand-pups that also loved their Mema.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 38 years, Leslie Harold Sutton; siblings, Kenneth Walker (Kathleen), Helen Wise (Roger), Marjorie Crawford (Luke), Lyman Walker (Ida), Max Walker, and Barry “Shine” Walker; and brothers-in-law, Merolin “Jiggs” Lawrence, Cornelius Hobbs, Billy Sutton, and Phil Sutton.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.rousefh.com. Flowers are welcome, or memorial contributions may be made to Trinity Missionary Baptist Church, 1086 Hwy 111 South, Goldsboro, NC 27534; or to St. Jude’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Arrangements are entrusted to Rouse Funeral Home, La Grange.
