Betty Jane Summerford transitioned from her earthly body and received her wings to everlasting life on Friday, April 18, 2025 at the age of 94 years old. Born in Harrisburg, PA, she was the youngest of 11 children to William and Lottie (Burham) Summerford. Betty's life was a testament to love, dedication, and a spirit that inspired everyone around her. Betty devoted many years of her career to the Harrisburg Area Community College before retiring in 2019.

A proud product of the Harrisburg City School System, she was also an avid sports fan, rarely missing any football games for over 48 years. Betty could often be seen cheering for the William Penn High School Tigers, John Harris Pioneers, and later, the Harrisburg High School Cougars.

Her spiritual journey began at Second Baptist Church in Harrisburg PA, where she became a choir member and eventually served as the church pianist and organ player. Throughout her life, Betty was invited to share her musical talents with various church choirs across Harrisburg and beyond, including her beloved home church, Tabernacle Baptist Church in Harrisburg PA, until her retirement.

In addition to her dedication to music, Betty enjoyed dancing, playing bingo, and participating in church programs, always bringing joy to all those around her. She was a beloved figure within her family and community, cherished by all who had the pleasure of knowing her.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. William Summerford; three brothers, Alonzo, Emanuel and John and six sisters, Willamae Williams, Major Lee Summerford, Margaret Summerford-Payne, Ruth Summerford, Minnie Summerford and Oneda Barton.

She is survived by her two sons, Steven and Michael Summerford of Harrisburg; her daughters-in-love, Dorothy, Sherry and Edith of Harrisburg; nine (9) grandchildren; Chavis Parker, Chanelle Summerford-Sambury, Mark Madden, Christopher Cook-Summerford, Michael Summerford, Jr., Sharayne Cook-Summerford, Terrell Summerford, Robert Fierro, Manny Fierro; sixteen (16) great grandchildren; LaChavia Mitchell, Cha-Anna Parker, Liryk Cook, Austin Mack, Markyi Madden, Malia Madden, Samantha Summerford, Camille Cook, Mark Madden III, Sophia Summerford, Enyarahs Cook, DeEllis Shannon, Kasara White, Judea Sambury, Treyvon Summerford, Taniyah Summerford; one (1) great great-granddaughter, Kamilla Cauthen; her sister, Naomi Summerford-Bard of Harrisburg; her best friends, Thelma White and Elizabeth Cook; a host of other relatives and friends.

Betty’s sweet and kind soul will be remembered fondly by all who knew her.

In honoring her memory, her life will be celebrated on Monday, April 28, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary of her church, Tabernacle Baptist Church, 2730 Booser Avenue, Harrisburg, PA 17103 with the viewing and visitation from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m.