Bertha Young Sumpter

Bertha Young (Betty) Sumpter, of Roanoke, Va., 85 years young, made the ultimate journey on Monday, March 2, 2009. She was predeceased by her husband of 51 years, James H. Sumpter Jr.; her son, James H. Sumpter III: and six siblings. She is survived by daughters, Jane H. Sumpter of Richmond, Va., and Lois A. Sumpter; daughter-in-law, Anne G. Sumpter, both of Roanoke, (the Sumpter girls); two beloved grandsons, James H. Sumpter IV of Charleston, S.C., and A. Graham Sumpter of Roanoke; and her sister, Charel Y. Schaub of Basking Ridge, N.J. Betty volunteered many civic hours and received recognition from Roanoke City for serving as a member of the Advisory Board of Public Welfare in 1971. She was instrumental in fund raising and establishing the current building for the Williamson Road Library during Mayor Roy Webber's term. She was the first woman elected and ordained an Elder at Northminster Presbyterian Church where she also served as the first woman Clerk of the Session. Being a mother with three children in public schools, she spent countless hours with PTA activities, working bake sales and transporting kids here and yonder in the old station wagon. Mom and Nana, we love you. The family thanks Doris Montgomery for her wonderful and dedicated care of Betty over the past several years. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to do so may make memorials to Northminster Presbyterian Church, 3911 Greenland Avenue, N.W., Roanoke, Va. 24012 or to the American Cancer Society, 2840 Electric Road, Roanoke, Va. 24018. A private graveside service will be held. The family will be greeting friends to celebrate Betty's life from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, March 6, 2009, at Simpson Funeral Home, 5160 Peters Creek Road, 540-366-0707.