Lillian Sutton

Lillian Sutton – caring, fun-loving, kind, a giver, great cook—the descriptions are too numerous to list!

Mother Sutton would light up a room when she entered with her mantra, “Mother in the House.” She was the life of any gathering and seemed to never meet strangers! Our family looked forward to Mom’s attendance at any event, for we all knew she was going to bring the funny, with laughter all around!

Her fellow altos of the Galilee Missionary Baptist Church Combined Choir looked forward to Mother Sutton at choir rehearsals and worship services, for they enjoyed her fellowship and her candidness in any situation. Rose Harris (now residing in Texas), Princess Means, Helen Thomas, Dr. Vanessa Holsey, Rev. Bobby Jemison, and Jessie Shipp were the voices she loved to hear!

Born in Castleberry, Alabama, May 6, 1930, to Lester and Teddie Hayes, Lillian was an only child. The family travelled to Michigan when Lillian was 6 years old. Lillian was definitely the apple of her parents’ eyes and as she told it, “I never wanted for anything.”

Lillian was educated in Detroit Public schools.

Lillian married Haymond Marlowe Williams, September 25, 1950. Two children were born from this union of over 30 years – Marla Diane and Kenneth Marlowe. While not biological father to John Henry Hayes and Patricia Lois Hayes, Haymond satisfied that role exceptionally. John Henry Hayes, Patricia Lois Hayes, and Kenneth Marlowe Williams, preceded her in death.

Lillian married David Sutton of Detroit on June 30, 1984. During their union, Lillian fostered two boys, now fine young men, William “Billy” Hayworth of California, and Dante of Detroit. David preceded her in death.

Mother Sutton served as a Nurse’s Assistant at the first black-owned hospital in Detroit, Southwest Detroit Hospital, for over 16 years.

A member of Springhill Baptist Church, under the pastorate of James E. Moss for over 40 years, Lillian sang in the infamous Gospel Chorus, under the direction of the late Dr. Dorothy Grant. Lillian met life-long friends at Springhill, those who continued to keep in touch, looked forward to conversations, and attending special events together, especially quartet programs.

Mother Sutton joined Galilee Missionary Baptist Church, under the pastorate of Dr. Tellis J. Chapman, when her daughter, Marla and son-in law, the late Rev. Leroy Larkin, took membership. She enjoyed worshipping with her family, was a faithful, dedicated member of the Combined and Women’s Chorus until she was not able to continue. She was not shy to let folk know she had a ‘fine’ pastor and ‘would not change her membership for anything’.

Mother Sutton enjoyed the casino and would gather the friends from Conner Creek Senior Living in her car for many an afternoon of “pulling the slots.” This proved big fun for the super seniors. If you needed to know what a “number” like 257 represented, Mother had the “Dream Book” to confirm it all. She knew many, many of the numbers and their meanings by heart!

While having to move from her home at Conner Creek, Lillian was welcomed by her caring, grandson-in-law, Ian, and loving, and ‘no-non-sense' granddaughter, Shauna. Lillian enjoyed her final few months, most comfortably at their home.

Mother Sutton slept on in the arms of her Lord and Savior on Monday, March 10, 2025, at 6:35 a.m., the very birthday of her late son, Kenneth Marlowe.

Among those celebrating her life and precious memories include her devoted and loving daughter, Marla Diane Larkin; grand kids, Tyanne LaNette, John Hayes II (wife Stacey), Ricardo; Kenneth McCartha (wife, Keisha), Kenyada Hayes, Shauna (husband, Ian), LaRoi (wife, Ashley). Great grandchildren are ShaTinna, ShaCarla, Charmaine, Lil’ John, Janae, Ricardo Jr., Trinity, Ali, Kayla, Christine Nicole, Jevon Matthew, Roial Christopher, Leilani Elise, and Selah Regina-Grace. Great-great grandchildren round the family, Harlie Rose, Chanaya, Maya, Aliyah, ReneMarie and Kolton; friends, Carol A. Robinson (husband, “Billy Rob”), dubbed the “Golden Girls, Bernice Golson Kennard and the late Geneva Reeves and Laura Love; and undeniably, the loving congregation of Galilee Missionary Baptist Church.

Mother resides “in the BIG House” this day and forever more! God be praised!