Carol Sue Hutchinson
December 3rd, 1941 – October 5th, 2024
Carol Sue Hutchinson, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away on October 5, 2024, at the age of 82. Born in 1941 in Detroit, MI, Carol lived a life marked by deep love, steadfast faith, and an unwavering commitment to her family and faith communities.
In 1965, Carol married her soulmate, Robert “Hutch” Hutchinson Sr., sharing nearly six decades of a loving partnership until his passing just four weeks ago. Together, they supported each other in all aspects of life, forming a strong, enduring bond.
Carol’s life was a testament to her faith in Jesus Christ, which was evident in her gentle spirit, compassion, and dedication to serving and investing in others. She attended Maryville College and earned a Master of Divinity from Gordon-Conwell Seminary in the early 1980s, a time when women in ministry were not always accepted. This challenge only motivated her to further define and legitimize the vital role that women would come to play in ministry.
Throughout their military travels, Carol and Hutch raised their family while Carol served in churches wherever Hutch was stationed, from Boston to the Air Force Academy, to Virginia. Their lives, careers, and family became the heart of their ministry. After Hutch’s retirement, he flipped the script, supporting her as she embarked on the next phase of her career in Florida.
Carol’s involvement in the Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church, through various lay and ordained ministerial roles, touched the lives of many. In 1997, she was ordained as a deacon in full connection. Before her retirement in 2008, Rev. Carol Sue Hutchinson served over 20 years as part of The Florida Conference Connectional Ministries staff. From 1993 to 2000, she directed the children’s summer camp program at the Warren Willis United Methodist Camp and served appointments at Asbury, Bartow, and First United Methodist Church in St. Petersburg. With a determined heart, Carol invested in countless children, youth, and adults—empowering them to be the church while boldly paving new paths for women in ministry.
Beyond her professional contributions, Carol was known for her warmth, kindness, and mentorship. She poured herself into knitting projects, producing an Advent book each year, sending Christmas cards, teaching Sunday school, preaching occasionally, and bringing joy to every encounter. Her smile and welcoming nature endeared her to everyone she met, making her a cherished presence in the lives of family, friends, and acquaintances alike. Even in her 70s, she stepped in as a children’s pastor and served as council chair until last year.
Carol Sue’s legacy of love, faith, and service will forever live in the hearts of all who knew her.
She is survived by her children, Dr. Dawn L. Hutchinson and Rev. Robert J. Hutchinson Jr., whose accomplishments brought her immense joy and pride. Her love continues through her grandchildren, Aralynn McVey, Micah Hutchinson, Piper Hutchinson Spencer, Justin Hutchinson, and Nicole Hutchinson, as well as her great-grandchild, Karter Hutchinson Copeland, all of whom she cherished deeply.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Bob Hutchinson, and her parents, Warren and Marion McNabb. She is survived by her siblings, Janet Lyle, Charlene Miotke, and Charles McNabb, along with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchild.
A service celebrating Carol’s remarkable was held at Beymer Memorial United Methodist Church in Winter Haven, Florida, on October 12th at 1 pm, followed by a reception where family and friends gathered to honor her memory and share stories of her grace and love.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Beymar memorial UMC, Feeding Tampa Bay, or Crosspaws Dog Rescue in her memory, reflecting Carol’s lifelong commitment to giving and service to others.
