Gordon Sutton Marks

July 11, 1928 – April 8, 2025

Gordon Sutton Marks was born in 1928 and at the age of 96 years, died April 8, 2025 at St. Catherine's Village, in Madison, Mississippi.  Sutton was predeceased by his parents, Gordon Wolfenden Marks and Vivian Sutton Marks; his wife of 74 years, Helen Murphy Marks; and his eighteen year old daughter, Victoria Evelyn Marks.

Prior to Sutton and Helen living at St. Catherine's Village for fourteen years, Sutton was a lifelong devoted resident of Jackson. He attended Central High School, then Millsaps College, where he met his love and future wife, Helen.  He was graduated from Northwestern University Medill School of Journalism earning a Masters Degree in Advertising and Business Management.  Upon graduation from Northwestern, he joined his father, Gordon, at Gordon Marks and Company, an international advertising and public relations company, where Sutton served as president and CEO for over 30 years.   During his career, Sutton was awarded the Silver Medal by the American Advertising Federation for the most outstanding advertising professional upholding industry standards, creative excellence, and community betterment.  Sutton also served as president of the Affiliated Advertising Agencies International, and was a governor of the Southeast Region of the Affiliated Advertising Agencies of America.  He was the recipient of the Marketer of the Year award by the Sales and Marketing Club of Jackson and was the first Mississippian accredited by the Public Relations Society of America.

Sutton's civil engagement included his election to the Mississippi House of Representatives from 1960-1972.  He also served as a board member of the Mississippi Economic Council and the Jackson Chamber of Commerce, and as president of Crime Stoppers of Jackson.

Sutton and Helen loved to travel and immersed themselves in different cultures; they were fortunate to visit 29 countries in their time together.  As a charter member of River Hills Club, Sutton enjoyed tennis with his wife and friends but his favorite sport was snow skiing, making fun trips to Colorado and Utah with friends and family.  Sutton and Helen were members of First Christian Church of Jackson and later in life, joined Galloway Memorial United Methodist Church.

Sutton is survived by his son, Peter Gordon Marks (Rondah) of Jackson, and his daughter Amy Marks McElroy (Brad) of Lakeland, Tennessee; his six grandchildren  Tyler Gordon Marks (Heather) of Tupelo, Mississippi; Tucker Reed Marks (Courtney) of Mt. Juliet Tennessee; George Mathew Marks (Tess) of Atlanta, Georgia; William Bradley McElroy of Memphis, Tennessee; Sarah McElroy Mitchell (Jody) of Bloomington, Indiana; and Megan McElroy Moore (Marshall) of Atlanta, Georgia;  and his seven great grandchildren Eloise Brickell Marks, Miller Gordon Marks, and Sutton Elizabeth Marks all of Tupelo; Carson Reed Marks and Brantli Paige Marks both of Mt. Juliet; George Matthew Marks, Jr. and Betty Virginia Marks both of Atlanta; and Jonas Roan Mitchell and Morgan Bruce Mitchell both of Bloomington.

A private family graveside service will be held Saturday, April 12 at Lakewood Memorial Park, officiated by the Reverend Dr. Raigan Miskelly, Senior Pastor, Galloway Memorial United Methodist Church.  Sutton's family is grateful to St. Catherine's Village caregivers for their continuous professional support of Sutton, providing him a fourteen year sanctuary of kindness and love.