Carolyn Bright

Carolyn Sumrell Bright, of Roanoke, Virginia, died October 7, 2008. She was born on December 11, 1946, the daughter of Hugh Austin and Lucille Edwards Sumrell of Simpson, North Carolina. She is preceded in death by both her father and mother, Hugh and Lucille Sumrell, and her second-born child, Justin Hunter Bright. Carolyn is survived by her husband, Danny Lee Bright; her children, Barclay Spencer Bright Sr., Hunter Sumrell Bright, and Jordan Alexander Spencer; and her dear brother, Chris Austin Sumrell. In addition, she is survived by eight grandchildren, Madeline Jane Bright, Eleanor Jo Bright, Barclay Spencer Bright Jr., Hugh Austin Bright, Hudson Taylor Bright, Ethan Sumrell Bright, Mason Garrett Bright, and Kaylie Madison Spencer. Her children were her pride. Carolyn spent the bulk of her adult life as both a mother and a teacher in the Danville City Schools. As a teacher, she was a gifted tutor of elementary age children. Under her watch struggling students learned to read. Her family remembers her tireless commitment to after-school sessions with kids who needed extra help. She was at her best working one-on-one with students; extra sessions, special attention, and a dogged desire to teach well. She surely shined there, and the world is a better place because of it. As a mother, she threw herself headlong into the job of loving and serving her children, things that kids are proud of once they're old enough to realize and count the cost. She taught her children to read and write, and to speak clearly, skills she hoped would equip them to enter the world. She encouraged them all to excel, to be their best, and to leave their mark. In this life, Carolyn did suffer. Diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in the earlier 1990's, she had her share of pain and setbacks. Consistent with her toughness, however, she embraced the fact that MS would likely mean a shorter life for her. She dealt with it well, and lived out a hope that Jesus would in fact heal her one day, that Resurrection is real and not simply the talk of preachers. In this hope she died and now lives an eternal life with her loving Savior, unencumbered and free, world without end. Visitation will take place on Wednesday, October 8, 2008, from 7 to 9 p.m. at Oakey's Funeral Service-South Chapel. In addition, a service will be held in her honor on Thursday, October 9, 2008, at 4 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church in Roanoke, Va.