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Skylar Summerhill Obituary
Gulfport
Skylar Elizabeth Summerhill, 29, died of a drug overdose on November 5, 2015. Born April 17, 1986, Skylar was a startlingly beautiful baby. A precocious toddler with huge blue eyes and blond ringlets, Skylar stole the hearts of all who had the pleasure to know her. She had a deep appreciation for music. At the age of three, upon listening to her first B.B. King album Skylar thoughtfully said, "Daddy, why is he so sad? Did his wife spend too much money at the mall? And how does he make his guitar cry, too?" She didn't like to walk "bettyfootie" in the grass and she named her bicycle "Louie".
In school, Skylar was a bright student who loved to read and was invited to be in the gifted program. She was a hard worker and threw herself whole-heartedly into her work. Skylar was a veterinary technician for many years. She loved every aspect of veterinary medicine, from rescuing homeless pets to assisting with surgery. A gifted dog trainer, Skylar raised many puppies into fine dogs, including her beloved Dylan who now resides in Brooklyn, New York. Skylar was a precious promise, a child of God, and a possibility filled with potential.
As is the case with far too many, the disease of addiction destroyed Skylar's body and spirit. Her Nonnie, a devoted grandmother who would have easily given her life to release Skylar from her illness, preceded Skylar in death. Skylar leaves behind her shattered parents, Rico and Amy Cardenal and Wade and Dawn Summerhill; her devastated siblings Savannah and Sam Summerhill; and her fiancé, Elliott Thomas. A host of family members are left heartbroken including Papaw, Babsie, Uncle and Aunt. Skylar's adored eleven-year-old pit bull, Ruca Jane, who is also left behind, bewildered and bereft.
Our family encourages those of you struggling with addiction. We implore you to seek help and have hope for your loved one always. "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; mourning no more, crying no more, pain no more, for these things have gone away." Revelation 21:4
Skylar's family will receive visitors at Lakeside Presbyterian Church, 2070 Spillway Rd, Brandon, MS, 39047, Monday, November 9th at 5:00 pm with a memorial service to follow at 6:00pm.
An online guestbook may be signed and memories shared at www.riemannfamily.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Skylar Summerhill
Kerry Smith
July 1, 2024
I came across this beautiful rememberace that you have written about your daughter. I so not know you,but your words have and will continue to help others. Thankyou so much. And your daughter is now your angel
Melody Courtney Neier
November 17, 2015
Oh, Wade, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your daughter. My heart breaks for you and your family, and there are no words we can say, other than you will be in our prayers. May God bless you and fill you with peace.
Tracy Riley
November 17, 2015
Dearest Wade and the rest of Skylar's family, I am heartbroken to read this news. As a classmate from St Joe, you will always hold a special place in my heart. As a mother of an addict, I share in your grieve and mourn your loss from afar. I admire your family's willingness to share Skylar's story and your journey as her family who love her so dearly. Thank you. I have planted a hope garden for my son, who is now 9 months clean and in rehabilitation. I will buy a beautiful blue flower for Skylar and plant it here in NZ. I will keep you in my prayers each day. As we say in NZ, Kia kaha - or stay strong. With much love, Wade to you and yours. Tracy Lipscomb Riley
November 16, 2015
I do not know you or your daughter. But I would like to thank you for sharing your tragic experience with us. It really brings into prospective where life can lead someone so good. It also may save another's life. You are so stong to share. Blessings to your family
November 11, 2015
So sorry for your loss
Amy Miller
November 11, 2015
You will be missed dearly sweet lady!
M Sharp
November 11, 2015
So sorry to hear this news God Bless and many prayers for you Wade and family.
M Sharp
Bobbye Simmons
November 10, 2015
I have never had the pleasure of meeting the parents of this beautiful young lady. But I did I have the pleasure of meeting her I've lived next to Skylar in Gulfport Mississippi 4 months now today I found out the tragic news that she was gone. I know there is no one to blame but this ugly addiction that's so many in this world are struggling with. But if Skylar mother would please call me I would like to talk to her in private. Your daughter walked and talked like she had the world on her shoulders she was a strong woman and she will never be forgotten even though she was in my life for such a short period of time she touched my heart in a way that no one ever had. Miss Aimy please give me a call 228 697 94 2 7
Kimberly Raley
November 10, 2015
My heart goes out to your family i to lost my 24 year okd son last year to an over dose he was a kindhearted young man always helping those in need i know amy words cant help the pain but know your family is in my prayers
Cindy Graves
November 9, 2015
I have enjoyed your sharing of photos and memories since this beautiful light left Earth. I see her mama's pretty heart all over her. Praying continually for you all in the days to come.
November 9, 2015
I do not know you but I am so proud of you for having the courage to have published this obituary. It may save a life. I am a single parent with my only child severely addicted. I fought the battle with her for years and many treatment centers and have finally adhered to the advice of professionals and have broken all contact. I pray this will bring her to her senses before it is too late. You will be in my prayers. CS
Pam Clark
November 9, 2015
Amy and family: Thank you for your words of encouragement in trying to help others. I am so so sorry for the hurt you are suffering. I miss Jaynee and love you all much. You are a strong lady. Peace and comfort be with you and your entire family.
Melanie Whittington
November 9, 2015
Amy, I am praying for you today and know in someway God will give you comfort. I am so sorry.
November 9, 2015
May God comfort your family during your most devastating loss. He is aware of your pain and wants to comfort you. John 2:28
John Lanford
November 9, 2015
sad.
Anonymous Anonymous
November 8, 2015
Prayers for her family and loved ones. She is free from her demons. Nay Skylar rest iin peace.
Marlo Kirkpatrick
November 8, 2015
Amy, I will write you a private letter, but I wanted you to know how sorrow I was to hear this terrible news. When our son, Ryan Kirkpatrick, was killed in an accident 12 years ago, you wrote us the most beautiful letter about a chance encounter you had with my husband, Stephen, when you were expecting Skylar. I have never forgotten how much that letter meant to us, and I still talk about it to this day as an example of how much a few words can mean. I am so sorry that you find yourself on that road we walked 12 years ago. Our prayers are with you, and if you ever need to talk to someone who has been there, we are here for you. I will write you with our contact information. So sorry of the loss of your beautiful daughter. So moved by how brace you were to share the message about addiction you chose to share in her obituary. Your words will touch others you will never know. Marlo Kirkpatrick
Mary Hitchins
November 8, 2015
Amy and Family: My love and sympathy go to you all. May God give you strength during these sad days. We miss Janie and know she will be welcoming Skylar.
B Morton
November 8, 2015
I do not know you or your family but please know you are in my prayers. I have a 32 year old daughter who will go to the State Hospital court ordered tomorrow and 24 more months thereafter court ordered treatment. I know too well what the addiction has done to your family.
Catherine freis
November 8, 2015
Our family sends yours our prayers and support. We thank you for your bravery and hope that your words will help all of us who have family members with the disease of addiction.
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