BJ Sutton

BJ Sutton was born October 23, 1940 in Rosedale, Mississippi to Frances (Gibson) and Willie Stampley. She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Herman Stampley; sisters: Willie Frances James, Idelia Griffin and Dorothy James.

BJ met Jerry Weinberg when she worked at Merchandise National Bank in the Merchandise Mart in Chicago as a bank officer. Jerry was one of the bank's clients assigned to BJ. As a practice, BJ would sometimes take her clients to lunch/dinner. As it turns out, the place of their business meeting is the place they decided to become a couple – The East Bank Tennis Club in the Apparel Center. They were married in Las Vegas in 1986.

BJ was the first branch manager in banking in Kalamazoo, Michigan. In the early 60's she decided to return to Chicago accepting a position with Harris Bank where there was an interest in passing laws to allow branching.

BJ was employed at Merchandise National Bank for many years. The bank President asked her to develop Keogh, IRA and SEP (Simply Employee Plan). Merchandise National Bank did not have a Trust Department and did not want to invest in hiring lawyers to set up these plans and fit them into their system. BJ, many years later, always wondered why the President asked her to do this because no lay-person would be able to write these 3-party plans – the Bank, a Governmental agency and the customers of the Bank. She was given a secretary to do the typing, etc. and did complete the writing of retirement plans for the Bank, designed computer programs where no extra materials were necessary to implement these plans; designed forms (deposit slips, etc.) that would be accepted by the system because only the color was different and the account number large enough so as not to be confused with any other account number group. This accomplishment caused her to be recognized in the World Book Encyclopedia – the 1984 – 1989 edition, Volume W, page 316. BJ earned undergraduate and graduate degrees paid by her employers.

Tennis (4.0 USTA rated), golf lowest handicap was 10 for 9 holes, card games such as bridge and Pinochle cards plus many other card games, gardening – donated to Cools, PADS, Haven for Battered Women in Libertyville, Gurnee Food Pantry, people at Church, if any, who were out of a job and need help, etc., bowling – in her 30's & 40's she had an average of as much as 186 in Kalamazoo. Her most powerful hobby that paid off after retirement was graphology (hand writing analysis). She had an agent that booked her to cruise on many cruise lines such as the Royal Caribbean. BJ was well traveled. She visited Nigeria, Africa, Oslo, Russia, Italy, Span, France, Switzerland, Iceland, Germany, Bahamas, Jamaica, Puerto Rico and Canada.

BJ is a Congregationalist. After retirement, she shared with everyone that she was a humanitarian. Her biggest disappointment is that the world (especially in America) had Not reached a social point where humanity (becoming one people for all) was in view as an accomplishment or had little value of importance. Further, it is not on the list of American goals though everyone wants to give the impression that they participate in a "human society". That may make them feel better and great, so be it if that is how it is. BJ hoped people would continue to make improvements in this area.

BJ leaves to cherish her memory her husband Jerry Weinberg, son Shamar (Heather) Sutton, daughter Tabetha (Keith) Olson, brother Fred Stampley, sister Eunice Jones; grandchildren: Alexyss Sutton, Marcus Sutton, Madison Martin, Noah Olson, Samantha Olson, Maverick Sutton, Amarri Sutton and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

Please, no flowers! Should you wish, please make a donation to JOY! LUTHERAN CHURCH in BJ Sutton's name to help them continue to set examples of humanity which is so very important to each and everyone's happiness while here on earth.



Acknowledgement
The family wishes to express their gratitude for the many kind of expressions of sympathy shown during their period of bereavement. May God bless each of you and sustain a lasting peace within your souls.

The Family of Mrs. BJ Sutton