Howard Mailey Sudler

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).