Esther Whitehead Sumner, 84, of Fitzgerald, formerly of Cordele died Saturday, August 2, 2008, at Dorminy Medical Center in Fitzgerald.
Funeral services will be held Monday, August 4, 2008 at 10:00 AM at Arbor Baptist Church with Dr. Lloyd Stembridge officiating. Interment will follow at 12 Noon in Sunnyside Cemetery in Cordele, GA. The family will receive friends from 7 until 9 Sunday evening at the funeral home.
Mrs. Sumner was born October 27, 1923 in Wheeler County, Georgia to the late M. Forrest and Kathleen Rabun Whitehead. She was a graduate of Glenwood High School where she played basketball on the 1941 State Championship Team. She was a homemaker and a former supervisor at Cordele Uniform. While living in Cordele, she was an active member of Wenona Baptist Church. She had lived in Fitzgerald since 1995 and was a member of Arbor Baptist Church and the Willing Workers Sunday school class. Very active in her church, she sang in the Arbor Lights Choir, participated in the Young at Heart Ministry, was a part of the Maggie Campbell Prayer Group, and was a former group leader for the Bereavement Food Group.
Mrs. Sumner is survived by her three sons and daughters-in-law: Stan & Carolyn Sumner of Dublin, Wade & Karen Sumner of Warner Robins, and Steve & Gretchen Sumner of Forsyth; one daughter and son-in-law: Kathy & Walt Gordon of Fitzgerald; six grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; brother and sister-in-law: W.O. & Ellen Whitehead of Ashburn; and one sister & brother-in-law: Bonnell “Doodle” & Walter Riddle of Alamo. She was preceded in death by her husband: Charles Stanley Sumner, Sr.; two brothers; and one sister.
The family suggests those desiring to send memorials may send them to Arbor Baptist Church Building Fund or Youth Department, 1137 N. Merrimac Drive Ext, Fitzgerald, GA 31750.