Lovell (Skip) Sutherland was born September 4, 1926, in Montclair, New Jersey to Charlotte (Reynolds) Sutherland and Mortimer Isadore Sutherland. He was raised in Montclair with his brothers Isadore and Barrington and sisters Florette and Rose. His youth was also spent in the company of his nephews Alfred (Freddy) and Charles Phillips and Rodger cousins. He was an active member of the Trinity Episcopal Church in Montclair, participating in youth programs and choir. After graduating from Montclair High School, he left Montclair to attend Wilberforce Central State College in Wilberforce, Ohio, where he was a member of the Student Council and A Big Chum. In 1945, he was initiated into Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Upsilon Chapter. After receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics, Lovell attended graduate school at Howard University, where he continued to serve as an active member of Omega. Lovell later served as the Basileus (President) of the Omicron Chi Chapter in the early 1950s. As Basileus, Lovell organized and executed numerous programs, including "Books and Education for Africa",  recognized as a banner program within the Omega 2nd District. He was also recognized for contributions to the advancement of literacy in the local community and awarded the NAACP lifetime membership in 1962. Lovell served in the U. S. Army service as a Research Mathematician under the Army scientific and professional program. In 1953 he was Honorably Discharged.

He was united in marriage to Catherine Santos in 1986, his soulmate for the past 36 years. Lovell was employed for 35 years as a federal civil servant until he retired from the U. S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration in 1992. Lovell was predeceased by his parents, brothers Barry and Isadore, sisters Rose and Florette, and nephews Freddy Phillips and Duane Monroe.

He is survived by his wife Catherine F. Sutherland, nephews Charles Phillips (Eleanor), Golder Sanford (Judy), niece Edith Twazon (Phil), great-niece Krystal Sanford, stepdaughter Michele Hodge, Stepson Franklin Santos (Tonya), grandchildren Robyn Glezman (Daniel), Giselle LaMotte, Franklin Alias-Santos, Aundrea Hodge, Kyle Hodge, Ashlee Santos, nine great-grandchildren, cousins, and many other family and friends.