Meet Themetta Suggs, Chuck Berry's Wife of Over 68 Years (2024)

Themetta Suggs, better known as “Toddy” or “Mrs. Berry” is the wife of Chuck Berry, the legendary American songwriter, guitarist, and singer. Themetta Suggs and Chuck Berry were married for 68 years, and their marriage was blessed with four children: Ingrid, Chuck Jr., Aloha, and Melody.

While Chuck Berry was known for his wild antics and run-ins with the law, Toddy was the steady and supportive force behind him. She was often the one who handled the business side of things, keeping track of Chuck’s royalties and contracts. Toddy was also an important figure in Chuck’s live performances, often traveling with him and helping to manage the band. Get to know all that transpired in their 68-year union.

Themetta Suggs was Born 99 Years Ago in Missouri, USA

96-year-old Themetta “Toddy” Sugg, also known as Mrs. Chuck Berry, was born on March 27, 1928, in St. Louis, Missouri, United States. She grew up in a loving family in St. Louis. Toddy attended Sumner High School in St Louis, it’s not known the name of the institution where she underwent her college education.

Themetta Suggs is an American by nationality with mixed ethnicity, however, she follows the Christian faith. Throughout her life trajectory, Themetta has been known for her warm and gracious personality and her dedication to her family.

She is not known for engaging in any career pursuit other than supporting her husband’s musical career. Also, she’s been involved in philanthropic work, supporting causes such as education and health care in the St. Louis area.

Themetta Suggs Became Chuck Berry’s Wife in 1948

The couple met in the early 1940s when they both attended Sumner High School in St. Louis, Missouri. They began dating when Sugg was just 16 years old and Berry was 18. Sadly, Chuck was arrested for armed robbery in 1944. He was then sentenced to serve a three-year term at the intermediate reformatory for young men.

Owing to his good conduct, Chuck was released on his 21st birthday in 1947. Thankfully, Themetta took him back, and they continued their relationship. They later got engaged and tied the knot. Themetta Suggs and Chuck Berry got married on October 28, 1948, in a ceremony witnessed by their loved ones.

The couple remained together for over 68 years until Berry’s death on March 18, 2017, at the age of 90. During their long marriage, they had four children together and overcame several challenges, including Berry’s legal troubles and infidelity. Themetta Suggs remained a devoted partner to Berry until his passing, and her love and support for him were evident throughout their union.

She was often seen by his side at public events and performances, and she even appeared in some of his music videos, including “Nadine” and “You Never Can Tell.”

How Many Children Do Sugg and Berry Have Together?

The couple was blessed with four children; two years after their marriage, they had their first child; Ingrid Berry. Meet Ingrid and her siblings.

Darlin Ingrid Berry – Clay is the Couple’s First Child

Ingrid Berry ( born on October 3, 1950) in St Louis, Missouri, is the first child of legendary singer Chuck Berry. She has led a private life like her mother. As such, there’s limited information about her. It’s not known whether she is married, divorced, or single.

However, we do know that she followed in her father’s musical footsteps. She plays harmonica and is in a band founded by her father known as “Blueberry Hills Backing Band”.

Also, she was featured in the song “Darling” with her father. Currently, Ingrid is 73 years old.

Charles Berry Jr. is also a Musician Like Chuck Berry

Charles Berry Jr (born in 1953) is the son of the legendary American musician Chuck Berry, who is often referred to as the “father of rock and roll.” Charles Berry Jr. is also a musician and has followed in his father’s footsteps, performing as a guitarist and singer.

He has often played alongside his father in concerts and recordings and has also released his own solo material. In addition to his musical career, Charles Berry Jr. has also worked as a computer systems analyst. As of the time of our writing, he is 71 years old.

Isa Lei Aloha Berry is the Third Child of Themetta Suggs and Chuck Berry

Aloha Berry (born on November 10, 1957) is one of Themetta Suggs’ daughters. She is a musician and has performed as a backup singer for her father. She has also released her own music, including the album “Aloha From Chuck and Aloha,” which she recorded with her father. At the time of our writing, Aloha is 66 years old.

Melody Exes Berry-Eskridge is the Youngest of Themetta Suggs and Chuck Berry’s Children

She is the youngest child of the Chuck Berry dynasty, born in 1959 to Sugg and Berry. Unlike most of her siblings, she towed a different career path. She has lived a super private life and has managed her life off of the spotlight. There’s little or no information about Melody’s private life. However, she is 65 years old as at the time of our writing.

What Does Themetta Sugg Do for a Living Now?

Themetta Suggs is retired and is enjoying her life in old age. During Chuck Berry’s career as a rock and roll musician, Themetta Suggs played a supportive role, often managing the business side of his affairs and caring for their children while he was on tour. She remained married to Chuck Berry for over 68 years until his death in 2017.

Themetta Suggs was a significant influence on Berry’s music career. She supported him throughout his rise to fame and was instrumental in helping him to manage his finances and legal affairs. Berry often wrote songs about her, including “Sweet Little Sixteen” and “No Particular Place to Go.”

In addition to her role as Chuck Berry’s wife, Toddy was also a dedicated member of the Antioch Baptist Church in St. Louis, where she sang in the choir and served on various committees. She was also a patron of the arts and was known for her support of local musicians and artists.

Themetta Suggs was a key figure in the life and career of Chuck Berry, providing him with the stability and support he needed to become one of the greatest rock and roll icons of all time.