Winston Sutton Sr.

Winston Sutton Sr. was born to the late Elvira (Elvie) Sutton, on June 28, 1947, in Greenwood, Leflore County, Mississippi. He departed this life on October 31, 2024, at the grand age of 77 years old. Respectfully known as, “Mr. Sutton” throughout his community, he was a member of Epworth United Methodist Church. He was often in attendance at his children’s basketball, football, lacrosse, field hockey, track and field, and marching band events throughout their years at Milford Mill Academy. He was a diehard sports enthusiast, rooting for his favorite team, the Baltimore Ravens, every game day. His love of sports began during his years as a student at Threadgill High School, where he played on the football team in the position of tight end. Immediately following high school graduation, Winston married his high school sweetheart, Willie B. Sutton (Mickey) on June 23, 1968. The couple gave birth to their only son, Winston Sutton Jr. before leaving Greenwood to move to Baltimore, Maryland in 1970. In Baltimore, Maryland, Winston continued to build his family, while raising his adopted daughter, Gloria J. McIntyre, and celebrating the births of his daughters Toni and Dana Zolena. He was employed at Giant Foods Incorporated from 1971 to 2005, retiring after almost 34 years of service. He served as Shop Steward for UFCW (United Food and Commercial Workers) Local 27 for over 20 years. Following his retirement from Giant Foods, Winston worked as a driver for Fast Park & Relax Airport Parking in Linthicum, Maryland. At home, Winston was known simply as “Grandpa” to his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He loved celebrating holidays and the football season with his extended family. He was known as the family’s grill master, serving up delicious ribs, and charcoaled brown sugar ham each holiday. After the death of his beloved wife, Winston took on her role as holiday host, teaching himself to bake her delicious sweet potato pies and butter pound cake. He made sure to continue her traditions throughout his remaining years. As the Patriarch of the Sutton family, Winston loved and supported his family immensely. He ensured that each of his children and grandchildren were loved, looked after, and always had a place to call home. He will be remembered for his steadfast loyalty towards the family that he loved, protected, and supported during the entirety of his life. Those left to cherish his profound memory are his brother, Angelo Hernton; his loving children, Winston Sutton Jr., Toni Sutton, and Dana Zolena Sutton-Echols; his adopted daughter, Gloria J. McIntyre; his beloved grandchildren, Darnell Franklin and wife Kristy, Deneea Terry, T’Keyah Sutton, Tre’Shaun Sutton, Tyanna Sutton, Jordan Echols, Damian Echols Jr., Xavier Winston Echols, and Whitney Sutton; nephew, Adrian S. Davis; nieces, Denise Gardner, Shelisa Sutton, Chrandra Grizzard; godson, Michael Powell Jr.; his great-granddaughters, Karsen Smith, Lyric Franklin, River Jenkins, Ryder Jenkins, and Zhuri Moore and his oldest living elder, Ideil (Aunt Bunch) Barnes.

Tributes

Winston Sutton Sr.

June 28, 1947 - October 31, 2024