Mary Elizabeth Summers was born to Ephraim and Katie Edmonds in Elkton, Kentucky on October 1, 1921. She was the second child and oldest daughter of seven children. Mary transitioned to Glory on the morning of August 18, 2017 at the age of 95. She was preceded in death by her siblings Gaither, Charlie, Ephraim, Marvin, Katherine and Mattie Edmonds.
Mary gave her life to Christ at an early age, at the Edmond’s family church, First Baptist of Elkton Kentucky. She attended Todd County Training School. At the age of 18, Mary relocated to Indianapolis Indiana to pursue her dreams of a better life.
On October 6, 1951, Mary Elizabeth Edmonds married the love of her life, the late Maynard Summers. Mary leaves to cherish her memory her children Flora Ann Jefferson (late Willie Jefferson), Lavenia Ann Summers, Emma Jean Summers, Maynard Summers, Kevin Summers (Juanita), and Alice Marie Summers. Mary’s grandchildren: Regina (Alvin), Jeffrey, Ronda, Dena (Cary), James, Tamika, Troy (Robin), Nina (Brian), Bayyinnah (Randy), Mark (Shantell), Camira, Kenota, Terry (Taja), Delicia, Kevin, Troy, Dominick, Heaven (Ondra), Joy Leta, Wallie, Ha&rsqu...[more]
hawn, Niahmiah and a host of great and great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
Mary loved her children and grandchildren and was protective and supportive of them. She adored her girls and spoiled her boys. She loved socializing with neighbors and old friends. She enjoyed watching Christian television.
Mary retired from the Marion County Juvenile Detention Center where she worked for more than 30 years. She was also a housekeeper for the Scheidler family for more than 35 years, fully retiring at the age of 86.
Mary was a member of the Church of The First Born Saints for more than 50 years. First Born is where she was filled with the precious gift of the Holy Ghost. She was a member of the choir in her younger years, and later becoming the oldest member of the Mothers Board. She was also a strong prayer warrior that could get a prayer through, resulting in her nickname ‘Baby Jesus’.
Mary loved her church under the current leadership of Pastor Jeffrey Foreman Sr. as well as the late Pastor Bishop Preston E Daniels and Mother Martha Helen Daniels whom she loved dearly. Back in the day Mary, Martha Helen Daniels, Earline Daniels and Louise Wingo were church bus buddies with Earline becoming one of her best friends. Mary and Earline would make runs to White Castle after a late-night of praising God in church ending as late as 1:00 a.m. Loved by many, Mary was known for feeding the hungry, housing the homeless and loving the stranger. She was a giver not a taker. Mary Inspired, encouraged, loved and preached when she felt the need. She was God fearing and a soldier for God always.
Mary was Queen of being funny as she loved to laugh. Her favorite characters were Madea and Mr. Brown. She also loved cowboy movies and watching Sanford and Son’s. She was a big baseball fan. Her favorite food was KFC chicken, onions and tomatoes, and pound cake. Her favorite restaurant was Cracker Barrel where chicken and dumplings was her favorite dish. Mary cooked the best pot of chili. She was mean with it and made sure you knew it.
Mary Elizabeth Summers is the definition of unconditional love.
Crown Hill Funeral Home and Cemetery
Indianapolis, IN 46208
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