Decatur, Illinois
DECATUR - Nelda Ruth Sumner, 53, of Decatur, formerly of Greenville, KY and Madisonville, KY, died Friday evening October 17, 2008, at the home of her dear friends, Jack and Berta Pitzer. Nelda was born June 26, 1955, in Russellville, KY, the daughter of the late Willis A. and Margaret R. Sumner of Lewisburg, KY. She had been a teacher, guidance counselor and principal in Hopkins County, KY, Indianapolis, IN, and also in the Decatur area schools. She was the President of Junior Achievement of East Central Illinois for six years. Nelda loved her church, Woodland Chapel Presbyterian, and for the past six years served as Worship Leader. She was committed to Lampstand Ministries where she served on the Board of Directors. She had served on the writing committee for the Great Banquet and for the Awakening. Lampstand Ministries is the covering corporation for all Awakening and Great Banquet Movements and Nelda was instrumental in starting the Lost Bridge Great Banquet in 1999. Nelda is survived by her daughter, Laura Elizabeth Knight of Louisville, KY; her two brothers, Doug (Tassie) Sumner of Louisville, KY, and David (Gena) Sumner of Granger, IN; her two sisters, Martha (John) Rhoads of Greenville, KY and Sarah (Rick) Hempel of Danville, KY; thirteen nieces and nephews and five great-nieces and great-nephews also survive. She was preceded in death by her sister, Susan Lee Sumner. Jack and Berta Pitzer were her closest friends and supporters who provided great comfort to her over the years. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 7 p.m. on Thursday, October 23, 2008, at Glad Tidings Assembly of God Church, 655 S. Airport Road, Decatur. The family will greet with friends one hour prior to services at the church. Burial will be at 1 p.m. on November 1, 2008, in the Lewisburg Cemetery, Lewisburg, KY. Dawson & Wikoff Funeral Home, Mt. Zion, is assisting the family with services. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family c/o www.dawson-wikoff.com. In lieu of flowers, the family suggest memorials be made to Lampstand Ministries, P.O. Box 732, Madisonville, KY 42431-0732 in Nelda's memory. Obituary written by family members. Online guest book at www.legacy.com/herald-review/Obituaries.asp
Read MoreNelda...what a wonderful person you were. I was not even aware she was sick. So glad Berta and Jack was there for her. Peace to you my friend. I will have good memories of you from The Great Banquet.
Delena Daves
October 30, 2008 | Vancouver, WA
What a beautiful person Nelda was! I met her at the Great Banquet in Decatur. She had such energy and love for the Lord. She truly lit up a room. During her illness, what an inspiration she was. Not one to complain, she continue to praise the Lord. What a wonderful addition she is to God's Kingdom.
My sympathy to her entire family. I hope you all know what a difference she made in the lives of others.
Gayla Tate
October 25, 2008 | DeWitt, IL
I attended grade and high school with Nelda in Lewisburg, Kentucky. We were in band together for many years, graduated together, and had many mutual friends. I have many special memories of the good times our group of close friends spent together during high school. Unfortunately many of us lost contact as the years went by. Nelda was such a talented, beautiful person. I am sorry to hear of her passing, but I am glad to hear from those of you who were her friends that her life was full.
Laurie (Cole) Maxwell
October 23, 2008 | Melbourne, FL
Our loss is Heavens gain, may the Lord give your family the grace that only he can.
God Bless you in this time of such a great loss!
Ivan & Kenna Pennington
Bremen, In
Kenna Pennington
October 23, 2008 | Bremen, IN
Nelda was the greatest spirit I ever had contact with. Her faith was magnificent to me. I can not compare her with anything. She was the greatest woman I knew and like a second mother to me. I will miss her more than I can express.
Brandy Roberts
October 21, 2008 | Bowling Green, KY
Nelda and I grew up together in Lewisburg Methodist Church. Singing music, MYF, she was the city girl, I was the farm girl. Almost every other Sunday between morning and evening services, we were at her cabin on the lake or I had her all over the farm on my horse. I moved away, time passed, our names changed, I always thought I would find her and we would talk about our lives apart. I have always missed her and always will. My prayers are with all of you who were fortunate enough to have...
Lisa (Hildabrand) Woodruff
October 21, 2008 | Clearwater Beach, FL
Nelda was such a special light in God's Kingdom. I can remember her encouragement, smile, and beautiful spirit as a bright star to me personally and to all those around her. She will be truly missed and may her family be comforted knowing how her life really enriched all those around her. Much Love, Ronnah
Ronnah Alexander
October 21, 2008 | Madisonville, KY
I first met Nelda at a Great Banquet several years ago. She truly brought the light of Christ to the very heart of any worship service. Thank you God for blessing Nelda with such a gift of music ministry. She touched many lives for Him! May her family realize what a joy she brought to so many! DeColores!
Marilyn Raney
October 20, 2008 | Springfield, IL
Nelda was truly a bright light. I got to know her while participating in the banquet, VBS, and a small singing group called "Glorious Praise". She was fun, funny, and there was never any doubt about her feelings for God. She would say to me, "God is Good". She had so many wonderful talents. It was a blessing to be influenced by her love for Christ.
Michelle Saint-Stoll
October 20, 2008 | Newburgh, IN
