Obituary: Jean Sutton Pate

January 18, 1934 – December 31, 2023

Jean Sutton Pate, 89, passed away Sunday, December 31, 2023. Jean was born in Lenoir County to the late Prentice and Bruce Sutton. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Jarvis “Pete” Woodard Pate.

After attending East Carolina University, Jean began a career with First Citizens Bank that lasted over 40 years. Her early employment was at the bank in downtown Kinston, and she transitioned to the new location on the corner of Queen and Vernon upon its completion. Her friendly demeanor and constant smile combined with her knowledge of the industry and genuine care for others made her the perfect fit for customer service. Not only was she good at her job, she enjoyed every minute of it.

Devoted to her family, Jean was a constant companion and the best of friends with her husband, Pete. She beamed with pride at the successes of their daughter, Imelda, and was her biggest supporter throughout life.

When Imelda ran for Superior Court Judge, Jean put her people skills to work serving as Imelda’s campaign manager. For every event that Imelda attended, Jean was right by her side. Talking with strangers was just as easy as talking with old friends, for Jean’s personality instantly endeared her to all she met.

A lifelong member of Hickory Grove Church, Jean participated in the ministries of the church and served her Lord faithfully.

An avid reader, Jean clung to every word as she delved into a new storyline. A fan of fiction novels, her favorite author was Nicholas Sparks. For her, all his novels were worthy of reading at least once.

A service to celebrate and remember Jean’s life will be held by the graveside at Fairview Cemetery at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 3, 2024. The family will receive friends following the service.

Jean is survived by her daughter, Judge Imelda Pate; brother-in-law, John C. Pate; and sister-in-law, Dorothy Kirby.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.rousefh.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hickory Grove Church of Bucklesberry, c/o Stanley Sutton, 1832 Sutton Shortcut Road, La Grange, NC 28551. Arrangements are entrusted to Rouse Funeral Home, La Grange.