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Civic, arts activist was 'gracious, generous'

By Kevin McKenzie

Theresa Bervoets Sutherland, a Memphis homemaker who was active in civic and community affairs, died of breast cancer Friday at her home. She was 63.

Mrs. Sutherland, the wife of 40 years of Dr. Arthur J. Sutherland 111, was originally from Nashville, a graduate of George Peabody College at Vanderbilt University, and involved in a number of organizations.

She was a member of Madonna Circle, Le Bonheur Club, Garden Club and The Woman's Exchange. She served on the President's Council at Christian Brothers University.

Many times over the years, she opened the doors of the Sutherland home to help support groups such as the Memphis Chamber Music Society, Memphis Heart Association, Southern Dominican Province and the National Coalition of Ovarian Cancer.

"She and Dr. Sutherland were always readily available with their home and very, very generous to us over the years," said Bill Eubanks, president emeritus of the Memphis Chamber Music Society.

Marsha Evans, artistic director of the chamber music society, said Mrs. Sutherland was gracious and "one of the loveliest women I have ever known."

"She was an avid supporter of the arts in all forms,' Evans said.

A former Memphi Duchess, Mrs. Sutherland enjoyed tennis and golf.

She was a communicant and eucharistic minister at St. Peter's Catholic Church.

Mrs. Sutherland also leaves a daughter, Kathryn Manning Sutherland of Nashville; two sons, Arthur Sutherland and Andrew Sutherland, both of Memphis, and two grandchildren.

Mass will be said at 10 a.m. Jan. 26 at St. Peter's Catholic Church with burial in St. Peter's Columbarium. Canale Funeral Directors has charge.

The family requests that memorials be sent to St. Peter's Catholic Church or the charity of the donor's choice.