Sharp, Susie M. (1907–1996)

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Sharp, Susie M. (1907–1996)

American chief justice. Name variations: Susie Marshall Sharp. Born July 7, 1907, in Rocky Mount, NC; died Mar 1, 1996, in Raleigh, NC.

Was the only woman in her graduating class at University of North Carolina Law School (1926); practiced law in Reidsville, NC (1929–49); was the 1st woman to be appointed supreme court judge in North Carolina (1949) and served until she was appointed to Supreme Court by Governor Terry Sanford (1962); was also the 1st woman elected to the post of chief justice of a state supreme court, serving NC Supreme Court (c. 1974–79).