Jon Rosson and Janet Pizzo Summers

Jon Rosson and Janet Pizzo

Summers

Memphis, TN

We mourn the recent passing of Jon Rosson Summers and Janet Pizzo Summers, his wife and partner for 26 years. Both were 61 years old. Jon grew up in Murfreesboro and graduated from Riverdale HS. He already knew he wanted to be an architect, having designed the sign for the high school that still stands to this day. He attended the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, graduating with a degree in Architecture in 1979 and enjoyed a 37 year career. As a 10 year partner with brg3s Architects, he worked as a member of the health care planning group, focusing on projects for Methodist Health Care in and around Memphis. Summers recently began work on a new Shelby County Health Department building in the Medical District, and also was involved with the new emergency department and front entry at Memphis Veterans Medical Center; a new Le Bonheur Children's Hospital pediatric clinic in Jackson, Tennessee; and a Methodist South Hospital emergency department expansion. Jon also was involved with the design of the West Cancer Center and the new emergency room at Methodist University Hospital. Jon's hobbies included golf, where he gleefully beat his brothers annually or whenever the chance arose.

Janet Summers grew up in Waco, Texas, where she was known for an adventurous spirit. Her career included working as a Flight Attendant for World Airways. Janet was an entrepreneur, involved in several small business startups, including sales and manufacturing of Daddy's Hot Stuff. She took time off to raise her 3 sons, Branson and twins Jared and Wesley. For the last several years she has been a reservation agent for Disney Dining. Janet had a positive and caring spirit for people. Her Italian heritage was instrumental in her love of life, family and cooking.

Jon and Janet were not only passionate about their careers, but were also passionate about teaching and raising their sons to have an excellent work ethic. When their sons took an interest in music at the age of 13, both parents poured their hearts, souls and resources into assisting the children and nurturing the obvious talent that producers and other musicians saw in the boys. They have always encouraged their sons to follow their dreams.

Jon was predeceased by his father, Dr. James Mouzon Summers in 1955, and his mother, Marie Jackson Summers Kerr, who died in 1968. He is survived by his brothers, Jim (Deborah) and David (Becky) Summers, his sister, Lisa Pirie (David), nephews and nieces Sally, James, Mikayla and Dr. Spencer Summers (Caroline). He is also survived by his cousin and mentor, Dr. C. Joseph Ladd and his aunt, Sally Jackson Shelton, who adopted Jon's family following the death of Marie, and who has been the mother figure in his life for over 50 years. He is survived by cousins Libby Shelton, Lynn Bullen (Butch), Joe Shelton, Jr. (Donna) all of whom are considered brothers and sisters in the extended family.

Janet is survived by her sister, Linda Jenkins, her nieces Alicia Witt (John), Kelly Buchfink (Richard), Meredith Leiva (Mike), her cousins Debbie Petrusek (Marty), and Jocelyn Babin (Bill). Both are survived by hundreds of friends from around the country.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the charity of the donor's choice. A time and place for a memorial service will be announced at a later date.