Connie Elaine Sutherland

Connie Elaine Sutherland, 81, of Claremont passed away Sunday, May 31, 2026, at Catawba Valley Assisted Living Center. Born October 7th, 1944, she was the daughter of the late James Madsen and Hazel Madsen.

She loved her family, cookouts, traveling, the beach, collecting clocks, and John Wayne memorabilia. She also loved listening to classic country music.

She is survived by her children, Eddie Clarke (Brenda), Barbara Clarke Stone (Christian), Helen Leach (Randy), William Clarke (Lisa), Lori Clarke (Dale Duncan), and Cathy Nielson; her grandchildren, Nathan Nationious, Tara Sheppard (Jacob), Anna Frazier (Cody), Tony Clarke, Billy Long, Alex Carpenter (Misty Scronce), Tyson Carpenter (Katelyn), Oasis Evans, Dominic Evans, Trevor Stubbs, and Savannah Shore; her great-grandchildren, Nick Sheppard, Ben Sheppard, William Sheppard, Bodhi Sheppard, Nova Frazier, Teddy Frazier, Calvin Frazier, Jacob Clarke (Hayley), Ava Long, Roan Carpenter, Rya Carpenter, and Sophia Carpenter; and her brother, Wayne Madsen (Cindy).

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Phillip Clarke; her grandchildren, Tryston Carpenter and Brittany Stubbs; and her siblings, Kenny Madsen, Donna Cunningham, and Maxine Bollinder.

Connie was the rock of her family and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

A celebration of life will be held from 3:00 PM - 8:00 PM on Sunday, June 14, 2026, at the home of Lori Clarke, 409 Roby Conley Road, Marion, NC 28752.

Please sign the online guestbook at www.caringcremations.net. The Sutherland family has entrusted arrangements to Caring Cremations Life Celebrations and Funerals at 828-855-3350.