Rev. A.C. Sutton

A prominent member of one of San Antonio's leading families has died. Reverend A.C. Sutton died Saturday, March 30, 2002. Respects may be paid at a Viewing on Friday, April 5, 2002 from 12:00-4:00 P.M. at Sutton's Paradise Funeral Home, 430 N. Cherry. A Wake will follow at 7:00 P.M. at the Greater Good News Baptist Church. Funeral Services will be Saturday, April 6, 2002 at 10:00 A.M. at Second Baptist Church, 3310 E. Commerce Street, San Antonio, with Interment at Eastview Cemetery. Alexander Carver Sutton, Sr. was born February 6, 1919, into a rich family legacy, the second youngest of 15 children to Samuel J. Sutton and Lillian V. Smith-Sutton. He was nurtured, not only by loving parents, elder brothers and sisters, but also by an extended family that included his godfather, noted scientist, Dr. George Washington Carver. Sutton graduated from Phillis Wheatley High School in 1935 and later attended Tuskegee Institute, where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture. He served in the United States Army during World War II, and was a member of the American Legion, Post 828. Sutton, an ordained minister, was a lifelong community activist, champion for equality and advocate for children. His legacy of community leadership began with membership to the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), at the age of 12. He served as Texas Branch President and member of the National Board of the NAACP for numerous years. During his tenure, he received a National Leadership award. His accomplishments included: increasing adult chapters from 35 to 105, in Texas, creation of an annual career conference for youth, development of the national Daisy L. Bates Conference on Education and a youth entrepreneurial program. Recently, he learned that he was to be recognized with a Freedom Fighter award for his efforts in civil rights, Voter Registration and Voter Education. A longtime business developer and civic leader, he owned and operated many local establishments, including the first Black-owned toy store in San Antonio. He was a founding member of the Alamo Chamber of Commerce, (the African-American Chamber of Commerce) and hosted a weekly radio program on African-American business news. Most recently he sat at the helm of the venerated Sutton's Paradise Funeral Home, and served as Vice-Chairman of the Board of Inner City Broadcasting Co-San Antonio, former owners of KSJL AM/FM, and was a major investor in Inner City Broadcasting Corporation, the largest black-owned company with holdings in radio, television and other media venues. He tirelessly worked for his community, leading many projects such as the "Spend Where You Earn Campaign," an early protest effort to support Black-owned business and to counter discriminatory practices of local merchants. A protest led by Sutton against Lone Star and Pearl Breweries led to placement of African-Americans into positions of management. His legacy of leadership was also reflected in his many years as a Juvenile Probation Officer with the Bexar County Juvenile Probation Department. As a governor-appointee to the State Law Enforcement Association, he served as a community liaison to judges and lawyers. Because of his advocacy, the lives of many children were enriched. His Christian Welfare Camp Association provided positive growth and camping experiences for needy inner city youth. Known for his expertise with juveniles, he also served as a training consultant for the Youth Advocate Program, Inc. His advocacy for Healy-Murphy Learning Center led to an endowment from the Ford Foundation to educate at-risk students. Sutton was also a board member of the Ella Austin Children's Home for African-American children. A passion for history was reflected in his membership in the San Antonio Historical Society and his successful effort to obtain State Historical Designation for Frederick Douglass and Brackenridge Schools. He was preceded in death by his parents, Samuel J. and Lillian V. Sutton and siblings, John, Carrie Jane, Samuel, George, Lillian, Libby Louise, William, G.J., Smithie, and Oliver Sr., and wife Lura Mae Sutton. Mourning his passing are brother, Percy E., and sisters, Cora M. Jackson and Essie M., two sisters-in-law, Leatrice and Renee; many nieces and nephews; grandchildren; children, Alexander Jr., Clifton Rolete, Lura, Karen, Carl, Cecil Mark, Sharon Elaine, Keith, Chere, Norman, Nancy, and former wife, Elma L. Sutton.