Shirley Summerlin

Shirley Summerlin, 94, of Milton, Iowa, completed her earthly journey on July 26, 2025. She was born on May 1, 1931, in Norfolk, Virginia, to Jeremiah Hardy and Ella Mae (Norvell) Summerlin.
Shirley's early years were spent in Norfolk, where she attended school and later worked at Barker Wire in Keosauqua. She held her faith dearly, attending Tidewater Central Nazarene Church in Norfolk. Despite being homebound in her later years, Shirley's faith never wavered. She gave faithfully to Pilgrim Nazarene Church in Mount Pleasant, which she regarded as her home church. Shirley lived her life based on faith, unswerving in her devotion to God.
Shirley leaves behind a legacy of love and faith. She is survived by nephews David Barnes, James, Steve, Horrace, Billy and Jeff Summerlin; nieces Barbara Bell, Bonnie Whitmill, Valerie Akinfolajimi, Vickie White, Jennifer Wiggins, and Jeannine Caldwell; her beloved cousin, June Jensen; many great-nephews and nieces; and dear friend, Rachel Gingerich. She was preceded in death by her parents, Jeremiah and Ella Summerlin; brothers, Horace, Hardy, JC and James Summerlin; a sister, Helen Barnes; a niece, Carol Kuhne and a nephew, Jay Summerlin.
A graveside service will be held at Sunnyside Cemetery, Milton, Iowa, on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, at 1:00 PM CDT with Caleb Zeigler officiating. Memorials in Shirley's honor to Mount Pleasant Pilgrim Nazarene Church may be brought to the service or mailed to, 110 West Harrison Street, Milton, IA 52570. Family and friends are invited to meet at the Legion Hall in Milton after the service for fellowship.
Please visit www.cranstonfamilyfuneralhome.com to leave online condolences and share your favorite memories of Shirley. We encourage you to upload any pictures you have of her to keep her memory alive for future generations. She will be remembered for her generous spirit, and her wonderful sense of humor. She never missed an opportunity to brighten someone's day. To know her was to love her.