Patsy Jane Cannoy Sutherland, age 86, passed away on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, while under the care of Hospice of Chattanooga.

Patsy was born in Banner Elk, NC, on April 24, 1938, to Roy Trinkle and Cassie Mae Cannoy. She lived most of her life in Elk Creek, except for a short period when she attended Bluefield College and lived and worked in Washington, DC. After she and Ralph were married, they moved to High Point, NC, before returning to Elk Creek just before their first son was born to raise their family.

Patsy worked most of her adult life as a secretary at Grayson County High School and as a bus driver for the school system.

Patsy was cherished by her family and all who knew her. She lived a selfless life, caring deeply for others. She lovingly cared for and babysat many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She cooked countless meals and baked numerous loaves of her famous "Mamaw bread." Patsy was always available to help others. Her greatest desire was for her family and friends to love and serve her Savior, Jesus Christ. Patsy received Christ as her Savior as a child at Union Baptist Church in Comers Rock. Her love and devotion to Jesus never wavered, even near the end of her life. The staff at her Memory Care Unit noted, "She may have forgotten many things, but she never forgot Jesus."

Patsy was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Ralph Sutherland; her parents; and her brother, William Cannoy.

She is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law: Jeff and Melissa Sutherland of Mooresville, North Carolina; Greg and Connie Sutherland of Chattanooga, Tennessee; Wes and Crystal Sutherland of Wilmington, North Carolina; her sister, Nell Sutherland of Elk Creek, VA; ten grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

The funeral service will be held on Friday, January 24, at 2:00 PM at Mt. Zion United Methodist Church. Burial will follow in Comers Rock Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church on Friday from 12:30 PM until the start of the funeral service. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Elk Creek Rescue Squad PO Box 130 Elk Creek, VA 24326.

She will surely be missed, but we know she is with Jesus.