Edward Michael Sutton, 57, passed away at his residence on Wednesday, January 3, 2018. He was born to Reverend Colonel W. Sutton and the late Doris Battle Sutton in Kinston, NC on March 3, 1960. Michael was a 1978 graduate of Kinston High School and a 1982 graduate of Winston-Salem State University. He then earned a Master of Science Degree in education at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale (1984) and his Doctor of Philosophy in Education at Iowa State University (1991). Dr. Sutton held varied positions in education administration and instruction at several colleges and universities, including WSSU, Appalachian State University, The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, University of South Carolina, Johnson C. Smith University and Livingston College. He was a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. He was a faithful and dedicated member of Mount Zion Baptist Church where he was an integral part of the Board of Deacons, Chancel Choir, Male Chorus, Sunday Church School and the Saint Mark Group of the Laymen's League until declining health limited his active participation. Survivors include Robin Davenport Sutton, his devoted wife of 17 years; his father, Colonel W. Sutton; brother, Stephen (Joyce) Sutton; sister, Terri L. Sutton; nephews, Jay W. Lane, Jonathan W. Sutton, Richard Gray III, James Davenport IV and Devon Davenport; nieces, Olivia G. Sutton and Renecia W. Gray; father-in-law, James K. Davenport, Jr.; sisters-in-law, Janis Davenport and Ramona D. Gray; brother-in-law, James (Evette) Davenport III; aunt, Dr. Edwina (Dr. Larry) Vold; and several extended family members and many friends. A Celebration of Christian Victory will take place at 12 noon, Monday, January 8, 2018 at Mount Zion Baptist Church with Dr. Serenus T. Churn Sr. as Eulogist. Interment will follow at Piedmont Memorial Gardens. The Omega Service of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. begins at 11 am and the family will greet friends at 11:30 am at the church.

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2017 Obituaries