Myron Patricia “Patsy” Sumner, 81, of Abbeville, Georgia, died Sunday, March 10, 2024, at her residence.
Funeral services will be held 2 PM, Wednesday, March 13, 2024, at The Paulk Funeral Home Chapel in Fitzgerald, Georgia, with the Rev. Chuck Taylor and the Rev. Earl Perry officiating. Her granddaughter, Neysa Peacock Strahan, will give the eulogy. Interment will follow in Irwinville Cemetery, Irwin County. The family will receive friends from 6-8 Tuesday evening at the funeral home in Fitzgerald.
Mrs. Sumner was born February 12, 1943, in Irwin County, Georgia, to the late Jesse Willard Waller and Kathleen Fletcher Sheffield. She was raised by her grandparents, Elbert “Ebb” & Allie Fletcher and spent many days in their store, Fletcher Grocery, in Irwinville. She attended school in Irwin County and played basketball. She earned her cosmetology certification from the former Ben Hill-Irwin Tech and was a hairdresser. Mrs. Sumner retired after 30 years with the Federal State Inspection Service Farmers Stock as lead peanut inspector. She enjoyed traveling the United States and camping. She also enjoyed riding motorcycles and fishing. She was a faithful member and loving servant of Dorminy’s Mill Baptist Church where she served on the kitchen committee, worked in VBS, was a seamstress for Christmas pageants, and arranged floral tributes for Sunday services as well as weddings and funerals. She ministered to the shut-ins and members in the hospital and nursing homes also. She will be remembered especially for her 12-layer chocolate and caramel cakes. Mrs. Sumner touched everyone she came in contact with in a positive way and was a true servant of God.
She is survived by her children: Eugene & Elaine Aycock of Fitzgerald, Teresa & Wallace Peacock of Fitzgerald, Jim & Beth Aycock of Irwinville, and Tammy Roberts & D.J. Lee of Irwinville; two children hand-picked with love: Sharon Matthews of Thomasville and Regina Adkinson of Abbeville; grandchildren: Brandi & Kevin Bostick, Kirstie Jowers, Edwin Aycock, Neysa & Charlie Strahan, Brittni & Timmy Goodman, Matthew & Kristen Peacock, Amanda Aycock, Anna Aycock, Ashley & David Burst, Alex & Heather Dorminy, Caitie & Chad Roberts, Jamie & Heather Sheppard, Nikki & Butch Zerbe, and Holly & Derrick Musslewhite; 23 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; step-children: Dan & Terri Sumner of Fitzgerald, Ralph K. Sumner of Fitzgerald; Tim Sumner of Fitzgerald, David & Kathy Sumner of Fitzgerald, and Debra Mobley of Ocilla along with 14 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; and 4 great-great-grandchildren; brother, Gene Sheffield of Fitzgerald; sister, Carolyn & Johnny Jordan of Fitzgerald; niece, Michelle Roscoe; and two nephews: Walter Sumner and Sammy Sumner. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph Jackson Sumner; two step-sons: James Sumner and Rob Sumner; and a grandson, James Harrell.
Paulk Funeral Home, Fitzgerald, is in charge of arrangements.