Sara Roberts Sumner, 91, of Irwin County, died Monday, January 13, 2014, at her residence.
Funeral services will be held 11 a.m., Wednesday, January 15, 2014, at Frank Primitive Baptist Church with Elder Edward McIntyre, Elder Jimmy Thomas, and the Rev. Lance Sumner officiating. Interment will follow in the Frank Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m., Tuesday evening at Paulk Funeral Home in Ocilla.
Mrs. Sumner was born October 17, 1922, in Irwin County to the late Sol and Winnie Lindsey Roberts. She lived in the community all of her life and graduated from Ocilla High School. Mrs. Sumner was a homemaker, a seamstress, and a wonderful cook. She had many hobbies: crocheting and sewing for her family; working in her garden and putting up vegetables; cooking for family, church family, and friends; attending her grandchildren’s sporting activities; feeding and entertaining many preachers and their wives; working in her yards where she loved her flowers and fruit trees; and, when time permitted, fishing with her family. She was a dedicated member of Frank Primitive Baptist Church where she was a part of the Ladies’ Circle. She was a large supporter of the church’s annual Christmas Pageant, where she helped sew and design the original costumes. Mrs. Sumner was also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star.
She is survived by two sons and daughters-in-law: Walter & Sandra Sumner and Franklin & Janet Sumner, all of Irwin County; grandchildren and their spouses: Chad & Leigh Sumner of Tifton, Andi & Ricky McWhorter and Melanie & Jason Royal, all of Irwin County; Lance & Deena Sumner of Stockbridge, and Casey & Christina Sumner of Marshfield, Missouri. Eleven great-grandchildren also survive: Anna Leigh and Cameron Sumner; Sumner, Jarrett, and MacKenzie McWhorter; Casen, Sarabeth, and Seth Royal; and J.T., Loghan, and Grayson Sumner. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 70 years, Herman Sumner. She was also preceded in death by her seven siblings: Lyge Roberts, Bertha Green, Irvin Roberts, Virgil Roberts, Charles Roberts, Myrtle Roberts and Bernard Roberts.
The family suggests those desiring to send memorials may send them to the Frank Church Cemetery Fund, c/o Warren Mixon, 108 North Cherry Street, Ocilla, Georgia, 31774.