Mary Lee Dutton

Mary Lee Dutton 85 of Sanford passed away Saturday October 19, 2024.

Mrs. Dutton was born in Sanford, NC, the only child of Lynn McIver and Mildred Muse Fields. She was a lifelong resident of Sanford, NC. She attended Sanford Central High School and East Carolina, where she met her first husband, Michael Williamson. They had 3 daughters, Debbie Smith, Trish Hamilton, and Michelle Caviness. They divorced and later in life she was married to John Dutton.

Mary was active in the Sanford Brush and Palette Club, Sanford Women's Club, and served as a board member of Temple Theatre for several years. She especially loved providing meals for the actors on two show days; cooking for others was definitely part of her love language. She had a beautiful singing voice and enjoyed singing in several different choirs over the years. She loved all animals, and we feel certain her dear corgi, Ralph was waiting for her at the gate, wagging his tail.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, John Dutton. She is survived by her daughters, Debbie Smith (Clifford), Trish Hamilton (Mark) Michelle Caviness (Scott), grandchildren, Katie Smith (Kerry), Jordan Anderson (Gordon), Ryan Childress (Barbara), Van Smith (Caroline), Jacob Smith, and great grandchildren, Vivienne, Killian, Annabelle, and Eliza Jane Smith, Cash and Everleigh Kate Smith, and Leo Childress. Her family would like to thank Parkview for their care over the last three and a half years and Amedisys Hospice for their loving care over the last month. 

 There will be a graveside service at Buffalo Cemetery on November 2, 2024 at 11:00 am

Donations in her honor can be made to Lee County Animal Services, Temple Theatre, or to a charity of your choosing.