Marshall Sudderth, Jr.

Marshall Sudderth Jr., 79, departed his earthly life on Tuesday June 16, 2020, at the Meridian Center in High Point, NC, after an extended period of declining health. He was born on February 24, 1941 in Hickory, NC. Marshall was the first of five children born to the late Marshall and Drucella Thomas Sudderth.

Marshall was educated in Hickory, and was a member of the Ridgeview High School graduating Class of 1959. He moved to New York and attended the Art Students League, to further his goal of becoming a commercial/graphic artist. His first professional opportunity was with Bloomingdale’s, where he was employed as a Graphic Artist …the first African American to work in their Advertising Department. He accepted a position as a Graphic Artist with Macy’s in 1963, which was interrupted by a four year tour of duty with the US Marine Corps. After being honorably discharged, as a Sergeant E-5, he resumed his career at Macy’s, as an Art Director. He also worked at Gertz, a Long Island chain of retail stores, where he eventually attained the position of Creative Director.

He moved to High Point in 1981, and became partner and vice president of Joseph Cox Advertising. Marshall met the love of his life, Delores Cooke, and they were married in 1983. He became an active member of Memorial United Methodist Church, where he faithfully served until his health no longer permitted. In 1986 Marshall was recruited by Reliable Stores, of Columbia, Maryland, to be their corporate Advertising Director. The family returned to High Point in 1990, to establish The Marshall Group Inc., a full service Advertising and Marketing Agency. Their clients included several national retail stores and well known furniture manufacturing brands. The Marshall Group provided quality service until his retirement in 2006.

Marshall was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He sponsored many youth sports activities, and school and community events. He will be remembered for unselfishly sharing his time and talents with others. His happiest moments were those spent with family, or working in his yard.

Marshall was also preceded in death by his brothers, Thomas F. and Willis M. Sudderth. Loving memories will remain in the minds and hearts of his surviving family: his wife, Delores, of the home; son, Marshall Erik Sudderth (High Point); stepdaughter, Dorian C. Arnold (Greensboro); stepson, Roland (Sabrina) Grannum (Charlotte); granddaughter, AvaMarie Sudderth (High Point); and goddaughter, Pamela Dye (High Point). He is also survived by his sisters: Alma (Steve) Thomas, Lenoir, NC and Mabel (Karen) Sudderth, Ocean Isle Beach, and a host of other relatives and dear friends. The family wishes to extend special thanks to the staff at Meridian Center, Hospice of High Point, and Johnson & Sons Funeral Home.

A private memorial service will be held by the family. 

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