Clercie Mullins Sutherland

Clercie Mullins Sutherland, age 93, went to her heavenly home on Friday, February 2, 2024, with her family by her side. She was born November 8, 1930, in the Ramey Flats section of Clintwood, Virginia to the late Mont and Vesta Mullins. Clercie grew up in the Skeetrock area of Clintwood, Virginia, and attended the Clintwood Industrial and Memorial High School. She then married Linden Junior Sutherland at the age of 16 and moved to Detroit, Michigan and raised her five children. Gary L. Sutherland (Jane), Paula J. Dobis (Glenn, “Skip”, Vesta E. Sutherland (friend Bobby Milburn), Christa R. Kilgore, Teresa K. Sutherland (Kristoff Daniel).

In 1968, Clercie, Linden and their youngest children moved back to Clintwood, Virginia. Clercie was a member of East Bristol Baptist Church in Bristol, VA, where she served in several ministries for many years. Clercie was a hard-working housewife and enjoyed many different hobbies, such as: gardening, canning, sewing, cooking, playing games especially Rook, making Chrismons, volunteering for the Barter Theatre and Healing Hands Ministry.

She also worked at Camp Sequoya in Abingdon, Virginia for several years. She loved to travel and visited many different countries around the world.

In addition to her parents, Clercie is preceded in death by her brothers: Farley Mullins and wife Norma, Garland Mullins and wife Norma, Herlin Mullins and wife Leona, Clyde Mullins and wife Ruthie Jane, Clarence Mullins and wife Igene, Ceburn Mullins and wife Dorothy, Ray Mullins and wife Joan. Two sisters: Gladys Overholt and husband Harold, and Theda Mullins and husband Odna.

Son-in-law William Kilgore, grandson Gary Bradley Sutherland and great grandson Riley Childress.

Clercie lived the longest of any of her siblings and is the last survivor of her generation. She is survived by her husband of 76 years, Linden Junior Sutherland and her five children, eight grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren and 8 great-great grandchildren. Also survived by many dear friends.

Clercie’s family would like to thank the staff of Brookdale Senior Living, Bristol Rehab and Memory Care and Caris Hospice for their devoted attention, loving care and making her final days peaceful and calm.

A private family funeral service will be conducted on February 6, 2024, at Forest Hills Memory Gardens in Abingdon, VA, with Pastor Dan Birchfield officiating. Pallbearers will be her grandsons: Christopher Tackett, Justin Tackett, Blake Sutherland, Joshua Childress, Bobby Childress, Kevin Phillips, and great grandson Anthony Sutherland.

Honorary pallbearer Michael Tackett, Sara Phillips, Amy Elkins, Skip Dobis, Kristoff Daniel, Bobby Milburn.

In lieu of flowers, please consider sending memorials for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105.

The family of Clercie Mullins Sutherland is being cared for by Farris Funeral Service & Crematory, Main Street location, 427 E. Main Street, Abingdon, VA 276-623-2700.