Jean Davis Sutherland, 89, of Morehead City, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at Carteret Health Care.

A graveside service to honor Jean's life will be held at 2 p.m., Friday, July 3, at Gethsemane Memorial Park in Newport.

Born on June 8, 1937, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Jean was the daughter of the late Murphy and Althea Davis. Gifted with a sharp intellect and a lifelong love of learning, she earned her master’s degree and built a successful career as a toxicologist.

Jean had a curious mind and a wide range of interests. She could tackle even the most challenging crossword puzzles with ease and always stayed informed about current events, particularly politics and weather patterns. An avid gardener, she found great joy in nature and had a special affection for animals. Whether caring for cats and dogs, watching hummingbirds flutter through her garden, or feeding the wildlife around her, she delighted in all creatures great and small.

Jean also enjoyed spending time in the kitchen preparing meals for those she loved. She found fun and friendship through square dancing and was an enthusiastic sports fan throughout her life. She faithfully cheered for the Baltimore Orioles and the Carolina Hurricanes, rarely missing an opportunity to follow her favorite teams.

Above all else, Jean treasured her family. Nothing brought her greater happiness than taking care of her granddaughters, who were truly the apple of her eye.

Those remaining to cherish her memory are her daughters, Sindee Sutherland of Indianapolis, IN and Sandra Sutherland of Raleigh, NC; son, Lindsey Sutherland (Joyce) of Morehead City, NC; sister, Jan McBain of Cedar Rapids, IA; grandchildren, Amanda Lord, Lauren Haulk, Michelle Sutherland, Kerry Grega, Megan Selander, Emily Sutherland, and Rhythm Sutherland; and great-grandchildren, Kai Logan Lord, Julian Grega, and Hazel Haulk.

In addition to her parents, Jean was preceded in death by her husband, Stuart Hoag Sutherland.

The family extends their sincere thanks to Jean’s dear friends, Ann Lane and Aubrey Ipock.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Carteret Literacy Council, 4907 Bridges St., Morehead City, NC 28557 or Island Cat Allies Inc., P.O. Box 4068, Emerald Isle, NC 28594.

Family and friends are welcome to submit online condolences at www.mundenfuneralhome.net.

Arrangements by Munden Funeral Home & Crematory in Morehead City, NC.