Bishop Willie Gray Suggs

Celebration of Life Bishop Willie Gray Suggs was born the seventh of nine children to the late Clinton J. Suggs and Cora Ada Jones-Suggs on Monday, November 9, 1931, in Snow Hill (Greene County), North Carolina. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Ellen Easter Suggs; two sons-in-law, Perry Demery and Ronald Woolfolk; two brothers, Humphrey Suggs and Barry Suggs, Sr.; five sisters, Inez Carmon, Nina Mae Kittrell, Bessie Wooten, Mildred Neville and Cora Logan. He peacefully entered into eternal rest on Sunday, April 23, 2017. At a very early age, he was characterized as having leadership ability. Bishop was often found teaching, preaching, and counseling his peers. He received his education in Greene County Public Schools. He dutifully served in the United States Army, wherein many times his life was endangered. He received many awards and recognitions for his service in the military, including, but not limited to, the National Defense Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the Korean Service Medal, two Bronze Service Stars, the Combat Infantryman Badge, and The Purple Heart. Bishop Suggs’ journey led him to the Apostolic Faith Holiness Church under the leadership of the late Evangelist Sue I. Edwards. On Thursday evening, August 28, 1958, he was baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. God blessed him spiritually by filling him with the precious gift of the Holy Ghost. While serving in the ministry, there was nothing Mother Sue asked that “Brother Willie” did not honor. He was steadfast in the Gospel and his purpose was clear. He served in many positions (Janitor, Usher, Deacon, Minister, Elder, Bishop) within the Body of Christ before becoming Overseer of the Sabbath Apostolic Pentecostal Assemblies of America, Inc. (“SAPA”). Under his leadership, Bishop established various missions located throughout the East Coast. He was the Presiding Bishop of Harper’s Temple Apostolic Church, Clarksville, Virginia; New Hope Apostolic Church, Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina and Rose of Sharon Apostolic Church, Severna Park, Maryland. He was passionate about playing his harmonica, writing and singing spiritual songs and watching baseball, football and basketball. He had a rich sense of humor. He was also blessed by marrying the love of his life, Ellen Easter Dunn, on Sunday, September 13, 1959. Their marriage of 52 years demonstrated the true meaning of commitment, devotion, respect, and everlasting love. Seven beautiful daughters were born from this union. With fond memories to cherish, Bishop leaves daughters: Sue A. Demery, Mary E. Suggs, Sandra C. Woolfolk, E. Diane Suggs-Tucker (Robert), M. Denise Williams (Willie Earl), Willette S. Perkins (Franklin, Sr.) and Wilnette Suggs; 12 grandchildren: Seaver Woolfolk (Ebony), Shannon Ross (Darrick), Shakara Harris, Robin Woolfolk, Candice Granderson, Corey Demery, Russell Granderson, Jr.; Alex Demery, Alexandria Demery, Franklin Perkins, Jr., Shelbi Woolfolk and Jonathan Perkins; three great-grandchildren: Xavier Woolfolk, Jaxson Woolfolk and Kilah Granderson; one sister, Selma Nails; one brother, Vernell Harper; two sisters-in-law, Susie Jackson and Ann Suggs; two brothers-in-law, Earl and Larry Wilson; two dedicated assistants, Julia Kittrell and Cynthia Perkins; a loyal niece and friend Vanessa L. Jones (Sukoshi); and a host of relatives, friends & church family.

Tributes

Bishop Willie Gray Suggs

November 9, 1931 - April 23, 2017