Howard Mailey Sudler’s Life Journey
In Cheswold, Delaware, on August 24, 1945, I was born to the late Herbert
Sudler, Sr. and the late Grace White-Sudler. I went home to be with the Lord on
August 15, 2023.
I graduated from William Henry High School in Dover, Delaware. I was
part of the gospel singing group "The Holy Israelites." From there, I served in the
Vietnam War in the United States Army (Military) with the 173rd Airborne
Division and earned the rank of Sergeant. After my honorable discharge from the
military, I was employed with General Motors while attending Delaware Technical
College, where I received my associate degree. I worked with DuPont Edge Moor
Plant, where I was an apprentice with Plumbers and Pipefitters UA Local Union
80, as a pipefitter in 1976. I was the first African American general foreman at the
Delaware City refinery. I celebrated a thirty-five-year membership certificate with
the (United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe
Fitting Industry in the United States and Canada.)
I married the love of my life in 1970, and in 1971, we built our first home.
We wanted to pursue entrepreneurship, so we began our real estate investment
company in the early 1970's while we continued working at our respective
companies. We began to invest in properties throughout New Castle County,
Delaware. After four years of marriage, we had our first child, Howard Hasani
Sudler. We continued buying more units while still working because we used our
own funds to acquire real estate during these times. After all, it was almost
impossible for minorities to obtain bank loans.
We were the first to develop and invest in properties in Brookmont Farms in
Newark, Delaware. This time New Castle County built the Boys and Girls Club for
New Castle, Delaware, which was to be the center for Brookmont Farms tenants.
My wife and I purchased memberships for our tenants and their children to have a
safe place for activities. Three years later, we had our daughter Kezia Hasini, and a
year later, in 1978, we had Kali Hanna. 1978 after our last child was born, my wife
and I decided to go into the business full-time. During this time, we were asked to
manage other investors' properties, including 4th & Market Street and Jack's record
shop apartments above, until the property was sold to the City of Wilmington. We
developed the Kings Ridge Apartment Complex in Georgia.
We began to acquire more properties and renovated apartment complexes.
We did not manage buildings unless we controlled them completely because, after
all, it was our name that was at stake. We led the development and management of
Wilmington's largest major African American-owned housing modernization
project. We started the renaissance moderation and transformations that
significantly provided affordable and quality housing to the city residents
improving their safety and security until the present day.
Throughout my career, I was blessed to have the opportunity to meet and
work with so many outstanding people in the Delaware area and all over the
country. I received many great memories and friendships from dignitaries to clients
and professional contacts.
Jesus Christ was my foundation, in which I stood and built my life around. A
significant part of my life was as a faithful Scott A.M.E. Zion Church member. In
1970, Mary and I were married and joined the congregation and became part of its
legacy. I was passionate about my family and attending church, as I truly loved the
Lord. In addition to growing spiritually, I participated in many auxiliaries within
the church. Some of the memberships and positions I held were Trustee Board,
Chairman of the Trustee Board, an original member of the Willie All Men Choir,
and the Voices of Scott Choir. I was also the choir's head drummer and mentored
other drummers.
I was blessed to have received many honors along the way, The
Philadelphia-Eastern Shore District Lay Council Lay Recognition Award from
Reverend Dr. John W. Kennedy, Pastor Reverend Dr. Gloria Morris Snipes Award
of Excellence, and Long Suffering Presiding Elder.
In my spare time, I enjoyed spending time with my granddaughter, attending
her school events, traveling on family vacations to many islands and countries,
family road trips, and family reunions. I also enjoyed attending family's monthly
birthday parties, having family barbeques, and birthday parties. Every week, I
looked forward to playing golf with my good friend, Leon Johnson. I enjoyed
spending time with my dog(s), Baby (2005-2020) and Chara.
I enjoyed family vacations, flying small private planes, spending time with
my children, and participating in, watching, and coaching their extracurricular
activities. Some of the accolades I received during coaching Hasani's baseball and
football teams were Canal Little League Baseball Team – 1989 Senior Division
Champions| 1989 Senior All-Stars | 1988 Senior Playoff Champions, 1988 Senior
League All-Star, 1987 All-Star Championship, 1986 Major All-Star, and 1985
Major Division All-Star, 1982, 1983, 1986 Greater Newark Flag Football Bronco
Football Championships.
I want you all to know I had a fulfilling life here. To my wife, Mary, thank
you for sharing 53 years of marriage with me. We saw so many of our dreams
manifest. We acquired many cherished memories throughout the years. The legacy
that we created will last for decades to come. I want you to enjoy every minute of
the remainder of your life on earth….until we meet again. To my granddaughter
Samiah, you were always the apple of Papa's eye. You brought nothing but joy to
my life from the moment you were born. I love you and want you to grab every
opportunity life offers and achieve greatness. I want you to know there is nothing
you can't accomplish with God on your side. Continue to make me proud.
Beloved Sisters: Vera Gautieri (Rhode Island), Evangelist Phyllis Jackson
(Florida), Nancy Coverdale (Delaware), Grace Gormley (Kevin) (Delaware),
Eunice Ridgeway (Florida), Millicent Dennis (Florida).
Beloved Brothers: Minister Roger Sudler (Juanita), Seymour Sudler (Shallie)
(Delaware), Brothers-in-law(s): Larry Slaughter (Ayisha) (Maryland), and
Anthony Slaughter (Nevada).
Devoted Sisters-in-law(s): Evangelist Geneva Sudler (Delaware), Diane Sudler
(Delaware), and Ayisha Slaughter (Maryland).
Devoted Niece & Nephew: Clarence and Carmen Parrish
Howard was preceded in death by his parents, Herbert and Grace Sudler.
Two sisters, Evelyn Howard and Corrine Scott, and three brothers, Donald Sudler,
Harvey Sudler, Melvin Sudler, and Herbert Sudler, Jr.
After all my accomplishments in life, I leave the legacy to my children "Seek ye
first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness: and all these things shall be added
unto you.
Matthew 6:33
Howard lived his life according to God's word. He leaves a legacy to always put
God first in your life, and all things will fall into their proper place.
Howard leaves to cherish his legacy and memory with his beloved wife, Mary
Sudler; son Howard Hasani Sudler (Delaware); daughter(s) Kezia Hasini Sudler
(Maryland), Kali Hanna Sudler (Delaware), and granddaughter (Samiah Sudler-
Brooks).
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Howard Mailey Sudler, please visit our flower store.
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