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Lillian Bonner Sutson
Lillian Bonner Sutson
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Lillian Sutson Obituary
Her grandson, Marcus Jones, said Wednesday that Sutson died of age-related causes Monday. She was believed to be 99.
Sutson, the granddaughter of a slave, went with her mother and two other black women to register as Democrats in 1940 in South Carolina. They were denied, threatened and verbally abused, sparking a federal criminal case.
Thurgood Marshall, a future Supreme Court justice, served as their attorney.
They lost the case, but Marshall used the experience to pursue others that ultimately helped strike down voter discrimination and segregation.
Sutson's efforts were cited in a letter from first lady Michelle Obama shortly before the president's second inaugural this year, Jones said.
"Your example of serv ice shows ... that each of us can make a difference for those around us," Obama wrote, according to Jones.
Copyright © 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
114 Entries
Sutson
April 29, 2014
God bless you and may you rest in please I don't know if we were related in any way
hillun carter
November 15, 2013
hi bye
maria burris
October 29, 2013
Aunt lillian was a funny lady will miss her and always cherish her in my heart. R.i.p Maria@ brianna
How you can show support
Regina Sutson-Babb
August 8, 2013
We love you Grandma. Thank you for being the best Grandmother in the world. R.I.P
Sally Jackson
August 7, 2013
Thank you dear lady.may you rest in peace.
Whitlow
August 6, 2013
THANK YOU!
John Laracy
August 5, 2013
Thank you for all you have done Lillian. Rest In Peace.
Blue Moon
August 5, 2013
Thank you for a job well done. R.i.P.
August 4, 2013
RIP and thank for your sacrifice
Kelley Fowler
August 4, 2013
Thank you my sweet lady, little is known about you, but I thank you for what you did many many years ago to help me be able to vote today. R.I.P
JMS
August 3, 2013
THANK YOU FOR A JOB WELL DONE!
August 3, 2013
Rest in Peace
August 3, 2013
TO THE FAMILY,
SHE HAS DONE HER JOB ON THIS EARTH,
SO LET IT BE KNOWN.
MY LADY, TAKE YOUR REST NOW. YOU DESERVE IT. GOD BLESS THIS FAMILY.
Peggy MCPHERSON...TANPA,FL.
August 3, 2013
Job well done my sister. Peace and blessings to the family.
R.Williams,MD
Edward
August 3, 2013
Thank you
Ethel Ellis
August 3, 2013
You were a GREAT LADY! May your legacy live on in our heart! May we continue to fight the fight for Justice for ALL MANKIND!
Delilah Archer-Blake
August 2, 2013
To God be the glory! Rest in peace, Mrs. Sutson. To the family, her legacy lives on through each of you. Continue to make her proud of you. May God strengthen, comfort and keep you during your hour of bereavement.
PENNIE BLAIR
August 2, 2013
TO GOD BE THE GLORY!
T Thrower
August 2, 2013
God bless the family during this time. My family & I appreciate the changes she helped make.
Evie
August 2, 2013
Thank you and your family.for your courage and strength. God bless and keep you all.
Shirley Young-Sawyer
August 2, 2013
The the Lord for your Service.
Gwenola Grier
August 2, 2013
Miss Lillian it looks like we are still fighting. I will continue to fight in your place.
J M
August 2, 2013
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Brenda Hoke
August 2, 2013
Thank you . Your contribution will always be appreciated.
Peggy (Propst) Brooker
August 2, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
G. Freeman
August 2, 2013
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
MATTIE ROBERTSON
August 2, 2013
To the Lillian Bonner Sutton Family my thoughts and prayers go out to you. I did't know her but I appreciate what she did it shows that each of us can make a difference for those around us.
August 2, 2013
To the Lillian Bonner Sutson family, you are in my thoughts and prayers. Never had the privilage of meeting this courageous lady, yet, I feel as if I knew her. We are better off today because she lived and stood for justice and equality. May the Greatest Comforter be forever by your side.
Jean Phillips-Hudson
Edwards, Mississippi
connie (diane) garrett
August 2, 2013
I will miss you very much auntie.I will miss your visit to the south.You were and always be very special in my life.The things you did to keep our family together will always be remembered.Love you May You Rest In Peace.
Paula Jackson Parks (formally Biloxi, Mississippi)
August 2, 2013
What a Legacy. We are a better nation because of like Ms. Sutson. Rest in Peace.
Mystique Campbell
August 2, 2013
I will miss you auntie. We had good times especially when you danced to the cleanup woman song in Gafney S.C.
The Elijahs
August 2, 2013
Our prayers are with the Sutson family during this difficult time. Your dear mother was a blessing to us. Without her courage, her strength, her part in the struggle, we would still be considered second-class citizens. Surely, your mother is enjoying her heavenly reward now. May God bless you with the peace that passes all understanding.
Christine Eastep
August 2, 2013
Thank you for your courage. You paved the way for all of us no matter what our color, gender, or creed.
Janice Nicholas
August 1, 2013
Thank you for your service! R.I.P.
Mr.& Mrs.Justin Dube
August 1, 2013
We were so lucky, to have been able to spend time with such a wonderful woman.God has brought home one of his special Angels.We will never forget the time, laughs and the tears. We will miss you! ...Love the Dubes
August 1, 2013
Becuse of you and others like you...i have the right to vote for Presidents and Vice Presidents.
Yvette Stevens-Clarke
August 1, 2013
My condolences family.
"RIP". Soldier, job well done.
Annie McDuffie
August 1, 2013
MAY YOU REST IN PEACE.....
Mcdonald Family
August 1, 2013
Remembered and never forgotten, One of the greatest aunts god has given our family, we will miss u dearly.
August 1, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Juanita Sewer
August 1, 2013
Our loving Creator never intended for us to die and have to endure such pain as we do when we lose a loved one. Soon we will live forever in peace and have everlasting life. (Psalms 37:9-11)
What a wonderful day to look forward to!
Sonya Stafford
August 1, 2013
Thanks to Lillian Bonner Sutson for paving the way for African American women and men to be able to vote. I didn't know her personally but I will always thank God for people of her stature. May God comfort and strengthen your family through this difficult time and I know you are very proud of her efforts
Ginny Jones
August 1, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Dianne Cleveland
August 1, 2013
Ms Sutson- in your honor we should all exult in our ability to vote in elections. Thank you for the right to go into that booth and make up our own minds.
Your efforts should call forth each of us to get out of our comfort zone and stand up for our selves and our Nation.
Thank you May you rest in peace and may the Holy presence give comfort to your family and loved ones.
August 1, 2013
God Bless Ms. Lillie
ZANDRA DAVIS
August 1, 2013
To the family of Ms. Lillian Sutson,
May her memories live forever in your hearts and know that the God of comfort is also concerned about the afflicted ones, he promise He will deliver the poor ones crying for help and those who have no helper due to acts of oppression that's taking place under the sun. Eccl.4:1; Ps.72:12
~Z. Davis (Willingboro, NJ)
Ivy
August 1, 2013
God Bless You Sweet Soul.
Kim Patterson
August 1, 2013
Remarkable woman!!!
Terrel Jamett Clark
August 1, 2013
God bless this super woman.
Patti R
August 1, 2013
The world lost a courageous woman ! God Bless her. My thoughts & prayers are with Lillian's family & friends.
Jeanne Tiberio
August 1, 2013
What a woman! Your fearlessness makes the world a better place. Thank you, Lilly!
Velta Nicholas
August 1, 2013
Though I did not know Mrs. Sutson, I am so proud to hear of her work for our people. I find it so frightening that so many of the good are going on. Though rightfully, to take their rest, I fear for my children, my grandchildren, and all that are oblivious to our cause. I will remember Mrs. Sutson in my prayers, I thank God for her, and I just know that God's arms were wide open to receive her.
Treasure the memories you have of her, those memories will make you cry, they will make you laugh, and for certain they will bring you peace. From what I have read, your family member was quite a lady; THAT lady will always be with you, to watch over and protect you.
Be Blessed family of Lillian Bonner Sutson, you have much to be proud of.
Janette
August 1, 2013
What a woman!! Thank you for your courage. Because of that courage we now can walk into the voting booth and have our say. Rest well with your Father in heaven now. My prayers and condolences to your family. Be Blessed
Vicky Lester
August 1, 2013
My prayers are with the family, also would like to say Thanks to Ms. Sutson for her contribution for paving the way for us.
Dawn West
August 1, 2013
God Bless and comfort your family during your time of mourning. I appreciate her courageous act of defiance against hate and the bravery she demonstrated when she fought for her right to vote. May we remember her legacy in contributing to the fight for civil rights.
Tony Dawson
August 1, 2013
Thanks for your leadership and vision.
Linda
August 1, 2013
To the Sutson Family:
May the Lord continue to bless each of you. I thank God for the courage of your mother/grandmother as well as, the courage of your great grandmother. They were women born before their time. We just don't have hero's like that anymore.
Wanda
August 1, 2013
My hope is that the family will come together during this time of sorrow to support one another and share the wonderful memories that made her so great. God provides comfort to grieving ones in this way. So share memories and allow God to comfort you in your time of grief.
Linda
August 1, 2013
Thank you, RIP, we will try to be worthy of your sacrifices to advance racial equality.
August 1, 2013
A real pioneer of the black voting rights movement...Rest In Peace...your work carries on...
V.Coates Columbus OH
Linda Stephens
August 1, 2013
Thank you for all your hard work and giving us the spunk to keep it up.
God Bless you and Rest in Peace.
Patricia Barbee
August 1, 2013
Thank you, Mrs. Sutson for being a light in the darkness. May your Family and all continue to benefit from your personal sacrifice for justice for all. [A grateful but, displaced Bostonian]
August 1, 2013
Thank you for your courage to help make a difference.
ELDER JOE & ELLA COLSON AND FAMILY
August 1, 2013
PRAYER ARE WITH YOU'LL!
DEBRA CEOL
August 1, 2013
My heart and prayers are with the family.RIP
Tam B
August 1, 2013
God bless those who put the greater good above their own safety and comfort! Thank you Mrs. Sutson for your sacrifice so I may vote alongside my black friends and neighbors to try to make this country a better place to live in.
August 1, 2013
My sincere condolence to the Sutson's family. May the God of tender mercies comfort you in this difficult time
Marcia
Ms. Jacque Tara Washington, LCSW
August 1, 2013
Family and loved ones you are in my prayers.
It is because of brave African Americans like Ms. Sutson, that we have so many rights in this country today. I hope this will be a reminder that we have rested long enough. She is now resting with the LORD and we must continue to work diligently for social justice.
Sincerely~
The Long Family
August 1, 2013
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.
August 1, 2013
Dear Lillian,
Very sad to read of your Passing. It would have been an Honor to shake your Hand, Great Lady.
Goodbye, Lillian
Muriel M. Lucas
August 1, 2013
Beloved Family,
Thank you and take your rest to our Dear Lady....
Lovingly,
Riley and Cerise Johnson
Mary McCord
August 1, 2013
Thank you for all that you have done. Now we can make a different's all because of you. be strong family for she is now with the father. GOD BLESS you know death is our friend.
Pastor Larry Anderson
August 1, 2013
"Here lived a great Street Sweeper, who swept her job well" MLK, 10/26/1967. I am praying for the comfort of your family as you celebrate Ms. Lillian's life.
August 1, 2013
My condolences to the family during this sad time. (Psalm 18:2) ~ Nicky
Jenn
August 1, 2013
To the family of Lillian Bonner Sutson,
I express my deepest sympathy. May the words of Jeremiah 29:11,12 where God promises to give us thoughts of peace and to listen to our prayers, bring you comfort during this difficult time.
Vera Randolph
August 1, 2013
True face of courage who has left the world a better place. Rest in Peace
Joan Pipkins
August 1, 2013
Another unsung hero. Bless you Mrs. Sutson.
Jane Dowling
August 1, 2013
God bless you and your loved ones ~ Rest in peace.
Bishop Powell
August 1, 2013
Earth Has No Sorrow That Heaven Cannot Heal. To the family... Know that"To Be Absent From The Body Is To Be Present With The Lord"
August 1, 2013
Dear Sutson family,
What a long memorable legacy! May you draw strength from God's promises to satisfy the need for true justice. Ps 37:10-11,28,29
Janice Cook
August 1, 2013
Thank God for Mrs. Sutson's and so many other foot soldiers' sacrifices, (from many ethnic backgrounds). May you now claim your eternal reward . Janice L. Cook, Atlanta, Georgia.
Antoine Gatewood
August 1, 2013
Bless you with "Love"
Brenda Pobre
August 1, 2013
You were a true hero, a role model that inspired and helped to begin change. At the age of 12 living in rural GA i knew things had to change. A group of youth from our church drove black men and women to the court house and helped them register to vote. We were determined to get Julian Bond elected to state office. On election day we drove these newly registered voters to the poll. Mr Bond won but he was not allowed to take his seat. We were frustrated and many us us gave up the fight but you did not you kept going every day like the ant movin a mountain and you inspired so many who joined and as a result change has come about there is still more to do but with real hero's like you and Julian Bond in the world to inspire us we can make a change and keep moving foward. Thank you for your your dedication and hardwork. Blessing
August 1, 2013
You do not have to fight any more sweet Lillian. You made a difference and you stood for the right. Rest in peace until we meet again. You will never be forgotten. You have set a great example for my children.
Olivia Austin
August 1, 2013
To the Sutson Family,
My prayers are with you doing this difficult time, on a personal note I did not know Ms. Lillian Bonner Sutson, but I do thank her for her service in fighting discrimination during her lifetime.
Ms. Sutson job well done and I trust that Justice Marshall will met you at 'Heaven Gate'.
Best regards,
Olivia
Virgil Varner
July 31, 2013
God Bless You Lillian. I pray that Heaven appreciates You the same as We do here on Earth....thank You.
Mattie
July 31, 2013
so sorry for your loss, may the family fine peace and comfort knowing GOD is with them. Joshua 1:9
Petrina Bell
July 31, 2013
My heart and prayers are with the family, may the God of all comfort, comfort you in this time of sorrow.
Evon Foxworth
July 31, 2013
To the family.I did not have the pleasure of meeting this strong sister,but thank you for sharing her with the world.its because of strong,brave people like her,that we have the right to voice our thoughts and demands to be treated as human beings. still fighting,but your loved one helped paved the way.How proud you must be,to have had such a strong sister,as ms Sutson to be a part of your lives. Bless you all. and thank you,for sharing her with the world. "God Bless"
Jenell and Eugene Thompson
July 31, 2013
May your hearts soon be filled with joyful times together with Lillian as you celebrate a life well lived. May God continue to bless and strengthen the family.
Sckerra
July 31, 2013
May she have peace knowing her cause/rights that she fought for will be realized under Gods kingdom in the near future,everyone will dwell together in unity. Neither shall they learn war anymore.
My condolences to the family, my thoughts be with you.
Dwayne Bickham
July 31, 2013
in God's care rest in peace
Joseph Howard
July 31, 2013
Rest In Peace dear lady and thank you for your efforts .
Fannie Hopkins
July 31, 2013
Her personal sacrifice should never be forgotten. Rest in Jesus strong soldier, and home girl!
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