Sheila J. Summers

Sheila Jean Summers, 74 years of age, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 19, 2011 at her home
in Houston after a short illness. Sheila, daughter of the late Thomas Blake and Jean Bigger Summers of
Wooster Street, was born April 25, 1936 in Marietta, Ohio. She graduated in 1954 from Marietta High
School and attended Marietta College where she was affiliated with Chi Omega Fraternity and Sigma
Delta Pi. She married Robert L. Summers, Sr. in 1957 and lived in the Cleveland/Parma area for several
years. She and Bob relocated to and was a long time resident of Medina County, Ohio where she raised
her family of four. Her greatest accomplishment was being the best daughter, mother, and
grandmother in the whole world. A dedicated care-giver, Sheila gladly spent over 20 years caring for her
mother and then spent the remainder of her years joyfully helping to raise her grandchildren and great-
grandchildren. She will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved her. Sheila is survived by her loving
children: Rebecca (David) McGinnis of Houston, TX; Steven (Idalia) Summers of Madisonville, TX;
Jonathan (Theresa) Summers of Rootstown, OH; and Robert (Susan) Summers of Dalzel, SC; her sister
Cynthia (Richard) Burnette of Houston; 13 grandchildren, and 12 (soon-to-be 14) great-grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her brother, Thomas Blake Summers Jr. Memorial services will be held
Saturday, April 2, 2011 at 11:00am at St. Edith Stein Catholic Church in Katy, Texas. Cremation has taken
place, and she will be buried in Marietta, Ohio. Her obituary and personal tribute may be viewed at:
www.brookside-funeralhome-cypresscreek.com
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Tribute by Steven M. Summers

A person is defined by the way she/he interacts with others and how they react to the life events that happen within their life. Looking at my mother one finds that she was a true friend, always there for anyone who needed her. I recall one time I watched as she took a broom and charged a mob of twenty men as they tried to beat up four men. Mom knew nothing about what the fight was over, it didn't matter, the odds were wrong and she was set to make things right. Mom considered all people her friends, anyone who crossed paths with her were received in kindness. Mom was a loving, gentle daughter, faithfully caring for her mother for +20yrs. I never saw her once complain about anything she had to give up while she took care of her. Mom was a faithful wife, even when her marriage failed; she remained faithful to her promise to love, honor, and cherish. She continued to love her husband until the day she passed away. Mom was a loving mother, always protecting and guiding her children. Mom taught us to love everyone regardless of race, creed, or beliefs. She taught us how to love God and to be faithful, courageous, and truthful, no matter what we faced. There are so many words that could be used to describe my mom, but maybe the best would be a blessing. To have known my mom over the last 49 years has truly been a blessing from God, and I can't thank her enough for all of her sacrifices and love that she has given all of us. We all love you so much Mom!
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A Testimonial to Mom - by Jonathan B. Summers

It occurs to me that possibly the greatest testament to Mom is the love shown by all the ones who knew her. Not just the love that everyone has shown for her, but the love and support they show for and between each other as we all struggle to come to grips with our loss and grief. For all the differences we have, it is inspiring for me to see us all join together in the commonality we share, the love for a single individual - Mom. We all have different memories of Mom, different associations of what's her favorite song, bird, flower or whatever. I think these differences just highlight the vast joyful outlook that Mom had on the world. She always marched to her own drummer, and it was a varied drumbeat at that. One of my favorite quirks of hers was time. I remember the year when she refused to set the clocks in the house to follow daylight savings time. That was quite confusing, but kind of fun. I remember the way her face lit up as she showed me the most wonderful watch she found that had no hour hand, just a minute hand that changed position every three minutes. Time would mean nothing to her as she worked away at her crafts - her egg decorating, quilling, embroidery, stained glass or cross-stitch. She found joy in the most interesting, tiny details in things and took her time, spending excrutiating hours sometimes, searching and shopping for just the right presents for the people she loved. She loved life, and in the end she certainly took her time leaving it. She was in no rush, and when the final moment did come, I hear she left with a smile. I think Mom is up there now spending her time watching each snowflake form, each flower grow. I think she is up there singing with the birds and with the croaking frogs, listening to each wave break on the shore. Truly, there was nobody who loved life more, or who was loved more by life. It is our testament to Mom when we take the time to enjoy the small details in everything, and to share the love and joy we received from her with each other.
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Our Momma - by Rebecca C. McGinnis

"The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away. Blessed be the Name of God." Ever since I can remember, I have thanked God for giving me to my Mom, and for allowing my brothers to be in this family journey also. She was a ray of sunshine. Mom could find the good in everybody, and find the silver lining in every situation. She was so proud of her mother, father, sister and brother. Her children were her pride and joy, and we received so much love and nurturing from her all our lives. That love carried on through to all the in-laws, cousins, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and grangchildren. She taught me to love God, family, and country. Family meant everything, and blood is thicker than words are sharp. Her motto was, "Never let the sun go down on your anger."
Mom was very creative and she could take the simplest things and make them extraordinary. Christmases throughout the years were magical, birthdays were treasured, and everyday to her was a chance to sit in a sunbeam and be content. Mom had a way of looking into a baby's eyes and see what they saw: the sunbeam glistening through the window; leaves swaying in the breeze; shadows drawing their attention; or someone moving around the room. She would watch them everyday and notice when they saw something for the first time, and applaud each attempt to learn.
As I said earlier, her children were her pride and joy, and she relished our achievements, and supported us when we failed. She wouldn't judge, only teach. At the end, her mind was very coherent. She made a point to make sure I knew her philosophy of what was happening. She had a trach, and could no longer talk, but she could write. One of her final lessons to me was: "I do not worship machines. I worship only God." I will remember that for the rest of my life. I love you, Momma. Our hearts are hurting, but the balm of your neverending love will be our comfort in the days, weeks, months and years to come. God bless you and keep you safe until we see you again.
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Tribute to My Mom - Robert Summers, Jr.


I was asked to talk about my Mom. Well I just lost her, and there are so many memories. The one that stands out the most is that she tried to find the best in everyone. When I was young I tried to believe in this also, but as I grew older and wandered out into the world I lost faith in this ideal. Mom never did, no matter what happened, she always could always find something good. In her honor I would like to relearn this wonderful way she had at looking at life. I love, loved, and will always love her, she is my Mom. I miss you Mom.

Love,

Rob

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