Clyde, NC - Karen Elizabeth Nichols Sutton, age 67, passed away Friday, December 14, 2018 at Haywood Regional Medical Center following a courageous battle with multiple myeloma. She was born in Haywood County on April 9, 1951 to Jake and Edith Rhinehart Nichols and was preceded in death by her father and her sister, Cheryl Nichols.
Left to cherish her memory is her loving husband of 35 years, Bruce D. Sutton who fought tirelessly alongside her every day, her daughters, Jessica Edwards and Kelli Sutton and son, Jason Ashe; grandsons, Ryan and Alex Ashe and granddaughter, Blakely Edwards; along with her brothers, Darrell Nichols and Billy "Little Red" Nichols, sisters-in-law Jerrie Smith and Jackie Worley and brother-in-law Marty Sutton. Karen’s children would like to give a special thank you to their aunts, Jackie and Jerrie, for the loving care given to both of their parents during Karen’s illness.
Karen was a graduate of Western Carolina University and a retired educator. She began teaching in Rabun County Schools, GA where she taught high school English until she married Bruce and returned to Haywood County. She then spent the remainder of her 30 + years career “on the hill” at Tuscola High School. There, she taught numerous English and Business classes and was recognized statewide for creating a course where computer/business skills were integrated into the English curriculum. Karen was a well-loved teacher, mentor and co-worker who also served as yearbook advisor and coached cheerleading for many years. As much as she was loved, her fondness for her students, co-workers and friends was reciprocated tenfold. The only thing she cherished more than teaching was spending time with her family and her horses, chickens, dogs and goats. She was as comfortable in her muddy boots feeding her beloved rescues as she was in the classroom.
A celebration of Karen's life will be held at 3:00 PM Sunday, December 30, 2018 at Rock Springs Baptist Church 2554 Liner Creek Rd., Upper Crabtree. Prior to the service, the family will visit with friends at the church beginning at 2:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Karen’s memory to S.T.A.R. Ranch Rescue, 970 Rabbit Skin Rd, Waynesville, NC 28785 or to already existing scholarship funds for Tuscola High School students through Haywood County Schools Foundation at 1230 N. Main Street Waynesville NC 28786.
Garrett Funeral Home is caring for the family. A message of comfort may be made to the family at www.garrettfuneralsandcremations.com.
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