Roosevelt H. Suggs, Jr.

Roosevelt H. Suggs, Jr., affectionately known as “ Suggie”, departed this life Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at Lexington Medical Center in West Columbia, SC.  He was born March 30, 1943, in Norwalk, CT, the son of the late Roosevelt H. Suggs, Sr. and Jeannette Moore Suggs. Just before midnight on Thursday morning July 24, 2025, Suggie waited for his wife of 64 years, Mary Frances Jones Suggs, to join him.  Frances was born December 2, 1944, in Little Camden, SC, the beloved daughter of the late Thomas Jones, Sr. and Geneva Graham Jones. Mary Frances passed away peacefully at Lexington Medical Center, West Columbia, SC of a broken heart.

The love story of Suggie and Frances began with two teenagers learning how to navigate life, sustain a loving marriage and raise their children.  In 1961, Roosevelt married the woman who was the Love of his Life, and he was hers.

Frances spent her school days in Camden, SC prior to migrating to Norwalk, CT while Suggie attended Norwalk, CT public schools.  Upon completion of high school, Roosevelt enlisted in the United States Air Force as a Petroleum Fuel Specialist.  He later successfully retired from a long career at Southern New England Telephone Company aka AT&T at the early age of 52.  Although retired, Suggie wasn't quite ready to sit down; therefore, started his own business “Suggs Enterprises“ performing odd jobs for many. Frances, on the other hand, was not only holding down the household and raising their children, but she also worked two jobs at times. Ultimately, she retired after a fulfilling and demanding career in an administrative role with Health and Home Care Resources.

Hard working and determined to show their children a life they didn't have, The Suggs became one of less than 10 African American families to purchase a home in the predominantly white and dry town of Wilton, CT.  Meanwhile Suggie, with his big pearly white smile, never met a stranger perfecting his gift of gab.  He made it a point to visit and stay connected to his family, his mother's friends, and his friend's parents.  Frances, however, was making connections with many young women who crossed her path as she schooled, mentored, and embraced many as her “other daughters”.   Suggie and Frances, soon figured out how to navigate that thing called life, traveled and especially enjoyed fun and sun in the Caribbean.   One thing about this couple, they spread the joy of life to others with pool parties and basement parties at their house in Wilton, CT.   They would swing dance with precision at the many dance parties attended.  Just before COVID 19 shut us down, Suggie and Frances purchased their dream home in Lexington, SC sold the party house in Wilton, CT, and relocated to the South.  Unbeknownst to them at the time, they would never return to Connecticut after the sale of their home.

Preceding her in death were Mary Frances' three older brothers, Horace Reynolds of Camden and Lugoff, SC, Thomas Jones, Jr. of Gautier, MS, and Richard Jones, Sr. of Queens, NY.  Furthermore, the 1st cousins raised as Brothers by Jeannette Moore Suggs, Thomas K. Moore, Sr. of Bridgeport, CT and Carl Moore of Kissimmee, FL preceded Suggie upon his passing. 

Leaving behind their timeless treasures of the heart are their four children, Cedric Jones of Bridgeport, CT, Varalynn Suggs of Lexington, SC, Dorene Suggs of Brandon, FL, and Amber DeBerry of Memphis, TN.  They also leave behind two grandsons, Evan DeBerry of Memphis, TN, and Dante Suggs of Charlotte, NC; two great granddaughters, Khaleesi DeBerry and Aviyanna Suggs.  Roosevelt's older sister, Yvonne Gaines of Clearwater, FL; and his 1st cousin raised as his brother, Leroy "Zeke" Moore of Norwalk, CT both hold onto the special times spent through the years.  The Suggs leave behind a  host of close family and friends, neighbors, and friends that became family, all of whom will cherish the good times.

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