Elbert Joe Sutherland passed into the arms of his Heavenly Father on Thursday, June 15, 2023. Joe was born in Comers Rock on October 19, 1933, to the late Grant Sutherland and Esther Hale Sutherland. He worked as a general contractor and raised cattle and tobacco for most of his life. Joe was a lifelong member of Mt. Zion United Methodist Church and a member of the Elk Creek Volunteer Fire Department for nearly 50 years.

He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Betty Hall Sutherland, sons Mark Sutherland of Comers Rock, Lyndon Sutherland (Pam) of St. Paul, VA, four grandchildren, Chad Sutherland (Jennifer) of Comers Rock, Cindy George (David) of Mt. Airy, NC, Lance Sutherland (Julie) of Daleville, VA, and Brittany Elkins (Bryan) of Fries, VA; three step-grandchildren, Becky Phelps (Greg) of St. Paul, VA, Jared Mellott (Megan) of Trout Creek, MT, and Lacey Mellott (JJ Butler) of Knoxville, TN. Also surviving are seven great-grandchildren, Kyser George, Myla George, Mitchell Sutherland, Noah Byrd, Joshua Byrd, Asher Elkins, and Kaidence Sutherland, as well as four step-great grandchildren, Easton, Eli, and Emory Phelps, and Kaylin Peachy, and one nephew, Michael Jenkins (Matthew Greene) of Independence, VA.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Glenda Jenkins, and his daughter-in-law, Carol Lee Sutherland.

A Celebration of Life will be held Monday, June 19, 2023, at 3:00 p.m. at Mt. Zion United Methodist Church, Mt. Zion Road, in Comers Rock, with Rev. Gleasanna Dixon officiating. A graveside service will follow at the Comers Rock Cemetery.

There will be no visitation prior to the service. Friends are invited to visit at the home during the next few weeks. A meal for family and friends will be held at the Elk Creek Rescue Squad Building following the graveside service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made the Elk Creek Fire Department, P.O. Box 36, Elk Creek, VA, 24326, or Mt. Zion United Methodist Church, c/o Susan Delp, 6288 Comers Rock Road, Elk Creek, VA, 24326.

Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home in Independence, VA is serving the Sutherland family.