Geneva (Genny) Chavis Sutton, a devoted wife, loving mother, cherished sister, and compassionate nurse, passed away peacefully on November 25, 2024, surrounded by the love of her family at UNC Health Southeastern Hospital. Born on December 20, 1944, Genny dedicated her life to caring for others, both professionally and personally.

Genny was one of six children of the late John French Chavis and Narva Nay (Cummings) Chavis of the Buie-Philadelphus Community. John French and Narva were part of a brother-marrying sister set, so Genny had a lot of double first cousins and other family members in her life.

In 1967, Genny married Ronnie Sutton and moved to Jacksonville, Florida, where Ronnie was stationed at the Naval Air Station as a Naval Officer. While in Jacksonville, Genny received her nursing pin and began a long and illustrious career helping others in crisis. During their 57-year marriage and Ronnie’s military career, they moved many times, living in Virginia and Florida numerous times, Rhode Island and Louisiana, and had two children, Ronette and Fonda. In 1982, Commander Ronnie Sutton retired from the Navy and attended UNC law school. While Ronnie moved to Chapel Hill, Genny and the girls moved home to Pembroke to be close to their family.

Genny worked as a nurse in the Emergency Room at Southeastern General Hospital in Lumberton for eight years. She loved working in the ER and with the medical professionals and staff. She spoke fondly and respectfully of so many of them for many years. As a nurse, Genny was a beacon of hope and comfort to countless patients and their families. Her gentle touch, warm smile, and unwavering dedication exemplified the true spirit of her profession.

During this time, Genny began to experience severe back pain and, for the next few years, underwent four back surgeries. After eight years, Genny left the hospital and became a school nurse for the Public Schools of Robeson County. She was instrumental in organizing health fairs in all county elementary schools where students were identified as having issues with their eyesight, hearing, and scoliosis. She helped to ensure every student received the necessary medical care. In 1994, Genny was one of six students in the first graduating class from UNC Pembroke’s RN-BSN program.

She worked in the nursing program before becoming the Director of Student Health at UNCP. Because of her back issues, Genny retired from all nursing in 1999. Even though she had retired, Genny had been and continued to be the go-to person in the family whenever there was a minor or major medical issue.

Now retired and with Ronnie practicing law in Pembroke and serving in the North Carolina General Assembly, Genny spent more time with her family and her beloved Philadelphus Cluster Group (PCG). She loved the service PCG did for the elderly in her community and made Easter baskets and Christmas wreaths for so many people. Genny was devoted to her mother, Narva Nay Chavis, and her siblings, Beth, Dee, and Carl. Her two brothers, Buck and Mitchell, had already passed. Genny, Beth, and Dee visited each other daily, and they talked on the phone multiple times a day. They were extremely close and devoted to each other.

As a family, these sisters were determined to take care of the family graveyard, Lowry Cemetery, and ensure that their family members were remembered on their birthdays and each holiday. They selflessly gave their time, effort, and money to create beautiful silk flower arrangements for multiple tombstones every year. Many days, Genny’s house was full of flowers and ribbons, and we patiently waited for her to make something beautiful. Once created, Genny, Beth, Dee, and Ronnie would take them to the graveyard and honor their loved ones.

Genny was an art student at Pembroke State College in the 1960s and created beautiful paintings and sculptures, but her role as wife and mother was more important to her. With her retirement, she could again engage in more creative pursuits. Genny had a passion for making beautiful wreaths, which brought splendor and warmth to the lives of those around her. Making wreaths for her family and the Philadelphus Cluster Group’s Christmas Bazaar every year made Genny very happy. Some of her wreaths are on display today. Genny also loved Christmas Nutcrackers and collected them for many years. They were the first Christmas decorations she put out every year and the last ones put away.

Genny loved Ronnie; she enjoyed his military career and tolerated his law and political careers. She always said she did not like attorneys and politicians. Yet, there was Ronnie and Ronette, both attorneys. Genny loved her daughters, Ronette and Fonda. They both brought her frustrations and delights, each in their own way. And they both gave her grandchildren whom she loved dearly.

Her first grandchild, French, lived with her for many years, and they had a special bond. She helped French through school and getting ready for his many basketball practices and games. Greyson, Garrett, and Lauren moved home when they were little and moved next door to Ronnie and Genny. Genny watched Greyson and Garrett grow up and study computers, and they helped her when her laptop wouldn’t do what she wanted it to do. As Lauren grew up from a teenager to a young adult, Genny shared her love and advice; she and Lauren had numerous conversations where Genny provided guidance on how to always be a better person.

Genny's nurturing nature extended to her role as a devoted wife to Ronnie, a loving mother to Ronette and Fonda, and a supportive sister to Beth and Dee. She loved her family, and her family was her greatest joy. Her love and guidance will be deeply missed.

Genny will be remembered for her kind heart, selflessness, and the countless ways she touched the lives of everyone who knew her. She leaves a legacy of love, compassion, and resilience that will continue to inspire those who carry her memory. Genny is survived by her loving husband, Ronnie Neal Sutton; her children, Ronette Alesia Sutton and Fonda Lynn Sutton; her grandchildren, Neal Arthur French Sutton, Greyson Rhett Gerber, Garrett Thomas Gerber, and Lauren Alesia Gerber; her siblings, Mary Elizabeth “Beth” Chavis and DeLois “Dee” Chavis; and a host of nieces and nephews, extended family, and dear friends.

Genny was preceded in death by her parents, John French and Narva Nay Chavis, and her brothers, John French “Buck” Chavis, Jr., Carl Chavis, and Mitchell Howard Chavis. Though Genny is no longer with us, her spirit will forever remain in our hearts.

Rest in peace, Genny Sutton. Your love and kindness will never be forgotten.