[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 28 (Tuesday, February 13, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E138]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING JERRI SUTTON OF BEAUFORT

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GREGORY F. MURPHY

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 13, 2024

  Mr. MURPHY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the late Geralene 
``Jerri'' Mills Sutton of Beaufort. Mrs. Sutton recently finished her 
time here on Earth. She was known for her dedication to others and her 
appreciation of the simple things in life.
  Mrs. Sutton started off as a talented educator. She ascended to 
Senior Director for the Virginia Department of Education and was the 
youngest woman to assume this role. Her position led to working with 
the United Nations, traveling to developing countries, and helping 
improve educational outcomes for children.
  Mrs. Sutton's dedication to the people of Eastern North Carolina 
eventually led her home to Greenville where she focused on improving 
her hometown community. All who knew her can attest to her unwavering 
devotion to the historical preservation of Eastern North Carolina. She 
led the restoration efforts of the Red Banks Primitive Baptist Church, 
which was set ablaze during the Civil War.
  After relocating to Beaufort, she immersed herself in the Town's rich 
maritime history and culture. She became a founding trustee of the 
Maritime Heritage Foundation and served as the President for five 
years. She also won the Volunteer of the Year award in 2015 from the 
Beaufort Historical Association. Her passion and fantastic fundraising 
prowess led to securing $1.5 million from small and big donors and the 
North Carolina General Assembly to build the North Carolina Maritime 
Museum on the Gallants Channel.
  As all can see, Mrs. Sutton was especially attentive to the people 
and places she loved. I hope we can all learn from her legacy and do 
more for the people and places around us. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you 
join me in honoring this incredible woman.

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