Andrew Suggs Sr.

Andrew Suggs Sr. (Andy) entered the world on Sunday, January8,1933. He was the fifth child of thirteen children born to Charlie and Roberta (Felton) Suggs Sr. He entered heavenly rest on Friday, December 14,2025 after a brief illness. Andrew accepted Christ at an early age at St. Peter's AME Zion Church and later joined his family church, MT. Calvary Missionary Baptist, in his hometown of New Bern, North Carolina. Andrew was the spitting image of our father Charlie Suggs. He always held a special place in his heart for his siblings, coming from such a large family. He would always remind us, "honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you". (Exodus 20:12)- Roberta, Havana, & Jimmy (siblings) Andy loved music from his youth and played his Alto Saxophone (witch he affectionately referred to as his "axe") to earn money throughout High School. Upon graduating from West Street High in New Bern in 1951, he enlisted in the United States Air Force and was honorably discharged in 1953. In September of 1953, he entered Morgan State College (now University) in Baltimore, Maryland as a Music Education Major, and began his teaching career in the Howard County Public School System in September of 1957. "Mr. Suggs introduced me to the wonderful world of band in 1958 when I was in the fifth grade., He placed a flute in my hands at Cooksville Elementary School, one of the segregated little colored schools in Howard County, Maryland. He along with Mrs. Bledsoe, my other elementary school music teacher, gave me love for instrumental music that has enriched my life and filled it with enjoyment. He widened our world and exposed us to new things every time he took us on a bus trip to march in a parade or to play outside of school. I loved and admired him because he fought for us to have what the other students in the country had. He was great band teacher and person"- Jean James, Music Student It was at the Harriet Tubman Junior- Senior High School that he met and married the school Media Specialist, Courtney Taylor in 1962. "Andy and I met at Harriet Tubman High School in Howard County in 1959. It was the first teaching assignment for both of us. We married three years later and had two children who shared both his love for literature. even after we both retired, Andy never stopped teaching. I still meet students we both taught, and it is a joy to hear them speak so fondly of him after all these years."- Cortney (wife) Andy and Courtney became the parents of two children, Andrew Jr. who preceded him in death, and Lisa, both of whom inherited his love and gift for playing music. "Daddy taught me to play the piano when I was three years old. My feet couldn't reach the pedals, but he had me playing fluent classical music by the time they could. He brought Andrew and me to Sunday School weekly and got me started in music ministry-playing with Mrs. Mary Manokey in Sunday School. Andrew and I both attended the Elementary School where our father taught music, therefore, we both learned to play every instrument in the band and continued playing music in various ways throughout our lives."-Lisa, (Daughter) In1985, Andy joined the Morning Star Baptist Church (MSBC) where he served as Sunday School Teacher, Minister of Music, Choir Member, Music School Instructor, and Trustee. He remained a faithful member of MSBC, under Bishop Dwayne C. Debnam, until his daughter was called to pastor The New Bethlehem Baptist Church (NBBC) in 2008. Andy taught instrumental music in the Howard County School System, from 1957 until 1962, when he taught in the Baltimore County School System, until retirement in June of 1991. "Andy was a terrific teacher and did such a great job feeding me wonderful students. He was also a dear friend. RIP. From maestro to maestro, so proud to have known you and worked with you."- Charles Higdon, Arbutus Junior/Middle School Band Instructor & Colleague After Retiring from the Baltimore County School System, he served as Instrumental Music Specialist at the Booker Washington Middle School in the Baltimore City School System. While serving at Booker T. he also taught three classes at the Eubie Blake Cultural Center and loved serving on the security Staff at the Village Oaks Senior Apartments. Even after retiring from the Baltimore City Public School System, Andy continued to teach music at H.O.P.E. Academy and Imani Christian School, and he taught many students at home. He maintained lifelong memberships in The National Educational Association and The Maryland State Teachers Association, and received many accolades for excellence in teaching, and for community service. "Mr. Suggs was one of my very first music teachers, and he was the kind of instructor who always stayed on top of me with my practicing- and could tell if I didn't! His dedication to helping each student improve was evident in the way he patiently guided us through challenging pieces, always pushing us to reach our full potential. He had a remarkable ability to make lessons engaging and fun, while also making sure we understood the importance of discipline and consistency in mastering our instruments. His passion for music was contagious, and I'll always be grateful for the impact he had on my musical journey!" -Tyrone A. Parker, II (music Student) Andy, affectionately known as, "Pop-Pop" to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, loved sharing stories, humor and wisdom with family and friends. His youngest granddaughter, Cayla Michele Kelly, preceded him in death. "Pop-Pop's wisdom and guidance were always right on point. His love for music and his lifelong work ethic will leave a lasting impression on my life. Pop-Pop had so many catch phrases, many of which, made us laugh, but I most loved when he quoted Dr. Kings's famous words: Free at last! Free at last! Thank God Almighty, I am free at last!"- Courtney (Rico) and Robert, (Grandchildren) Andrew is survived by his wife Courtney Taylor Suggs; daughter Bishop Lisa Michele Suggs Weah; two sisters Roberta Tripp and Havana Suggs; one brother, Jimmy Suggs (Amanda); granddaughter Courtney Ciara Dar-Height (Rico); grandson Robert Anthony Kelly, Jr. great-grandson, Josiah Eli Dar- Height; great-granddaughter, Lisa Tanya Dar-Height, a host of nieces, nephews, beloved relatives and friends.

Tributes

Andrew Suggs Sr.

January 8, 1933 - February 14, 2025