Sandra “Sandie” Moore Sutton

Sandra “Sandie” Moore Sutton passed away Tuesday, February 22, 2022 at University of Kentucky Chandler Medical Center.
She was born January 4, 1942 to Lora and Mason Moore and grew up in Martin, Ky. As an only child and first grandchild in the family, she grew up surrounded by adoring aunts and uncles.
She learned about hard work early, working in various family businesses, including at a drive-in, and learned to drive a stick-shift when she was 13, a skill she cherished until the end.
Sandie graduated from Martin High School in 1960, then moved to Williamsburg, Ky, to attend Cumberland College (now University of the Cumberlands), where she received a BS in business in 1964.
It was at Cumberland that she caught the eye of an economics instructor who liked her smile and thought she was a neat dresser. Ray arranged to run in to her on campus, which was easy thanks to the distinct mint green Dodge car she drove. Their first date was to get a Coke in Jellico, TN, beginning a 60-year conversation. They married in 1964 and started their life together in Valdosta, GA, then in Jacksonville, FL, where Sandie had a short but memorable career teaching typing to high school students before returning to Williamsburg.
Sandie opened the children’s clothing store Youthland Fashions in downtown Williamsburg in 1970. With Ray’s involvement, the business grew to include stores in Corbin, Harlan, London, Pikeville and Bowling Green, but Sandie’s favorite time was in the Williamsburg store where her friendliness and natural customer service skills were on full display. In the late 80’s, Sandie and Ray transitioned into a new business, a mail order antiquarian book business specializing in natural history called Raymond M. Sutton, Jr., Books. This business enabled them to meet customers from all over the world who often become friends.
Sandie’s adult life can be summed up in three words: faith, family and friendship. She was loyal to the First Baptist Church Williamsburg and was a longtime member of the Florida Moss Gatliff McPherson Wood Sunday School class, where she enjoyed decades-long friendships.
Once you were in her life, she would always remain interested in you, whether you were a member of the Girl Scout troupe she led in the mid-’60s, a former customer or employee, a friend of one of her children or friends she met through Ray’s membership in the Magnolia Society International.
She devoted significant time to her extended family, caring for her parents and her in-laws, Raymond and Elizabeth Sutton, as they aged. She became the caretaker of generations of Moore family history when she inherited the family homeplace in Mallie, KY, in Knott County where both of her parents had grown up. She stayed in close touch with cousins and made a special effort to visit aunts and uncles to hear their story.
In retirement, Sandie embraced the role of “Grandie” to her three grandchildren and relished having time to spend with friends, especially Ginger Brashear, Brenda Patrick and Sharon Alder. She loved her home and all things associated with it, especially sitting on the front porch with friends. She was a gifted decorator and cook, though she would never admit it.
In December 2021, Sandie bravely participated in a cancer therapy trial at M.D. Anderson in Houston. Her family is grateful to the doctors and nurses at M.D. Anderson who helped her beat lymphoma. They are also grateful for the compassionate care she received at Baptist Health Corbin and the University of Kentucky Hospital in the past month.
Sandie is survived by her husband of 57 years, Raymond M. Sutton; a daughter, Laura (Mark Story) of Lexington; a son, Chip (Rebecca) of Louisville; grandchildren Reagan, Reece and Kendall Sutton; sisters-in-law Elizabeth Hummel of Orange, TX, and Erma Dene Sutton of Corbin; and numerous cousins, friends and admirers.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to the FBCW landscaping project, c/o First Baptist Church, 230 South Fifth Street, Williamsburg, KY 40769.
Following a private burial, the family will host a Celebration of Life Service at a later date.
Condolences may be made to the family at www.ellisonfh.com.
Ellison Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.