Virginia Sutherland

Virginia A. Owens Sutherland, 87, of Gray, TN, a beloved mother and cherished grandmother, passed away peacefully at her home on Monday, January 15, 2024, following a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s Dementia.

Virginia was born in Dickenson County, Virginia, but has been a resident of Johnson City for most of her life.

After devoting 42 years to TPI Corporation, Virginia felt it was time to retire in 2014 and focus on the things that brought her joy. She went on to spend her days gardening, flowering, cooking, caring for her animals, and spending quality time with her family. She especially enjoyed going to Carter’s Fold in Hiltons, VA, and traveling with Fellowship Tours.

Virginia was a member of McKinley Memorial Bible Church for many years. She loved gospel music and had an unshakeable faith in God which gave her incredible courage and strength.

Her entire family was her pride, joy, and light of her life. She will be greatly missed by the many whose lives she touched throughout her own. She will be remembered as a devoted mother and a loving grandmother.

Virginia is preceded in death by: mother, Bertha Owens of Johnson City; first husband, John Sutherland, and second husband, Charles Davis, both of Johnson City; daughter, Cinderella “Cindy” Joyce of Gray; son, Noel Sutherland of Johnson City; and stepson, Johnny Doyle Sutherland of Birchleaf, VA.

Virginia is survived by: daughters, Stella Perkins of Gray, Lisa DePriest Sutherland of Jonesborough, Melinda “Mindy” Sutherland Stidham of Gray, Jenny Michelle Owens Presley of Elizabethton; one stepson, Jackie Sutherland and wife Mel of Midland, MI; as well as 16 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren. 

Special thanks from the family to the caring staff of Gentiva Hospice and Addus Healthcare for providing exceptional care to Virginia these past few years.

The family of Virginia Sutherland will be receiving friends from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM on Sunday, January 21, 2024, at Morris-Baker Funeral Home. A funeral service will follow at 4:00 PM, officiated by Pastor Lenny Smith. The following day, Monday, January 22, 2024, a committal will be held for Virginia at 3:00 PM in the Washington County Memory Gardens Mausoleum Chapel. Those attending are asked to gather by 2:50 PM. Pallbearers will be Chad Joyce, Darrell DePriest, Matthew DePriest, Johnathan Stidham, Brandon Sutherland, and Seth Clement, with honorary pallbearers Johnathan Christian, Jacob Presley, Dominic DePriest, and Skyler Clement.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made in Virginia’s honor to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org/donate