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Obituary For Betty Summerford
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.
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My Condolences Ms Betty R I P
Auntie, the many laughs we had! I will forever cherish and remember you and them! I inboxed Michael I was gonna call you on Good Friday, but God called you first. There is always a lesson, and one we've all been taught; never put off until tomorrow what you can do today. My Mommy Thelma and our entire family, Tabernacle Baptist and your after church dinner crew, Second Baptist (where you played piano for many years and the subject of one of our favorite stories) and the Old Lady Birthday Lunch Gang --- we all will miss you so much. Stevie, Michael, and the Summerford family, my sincere condolences, love, and prayers to you. Auntie Betty Jane Summerford, you were a real one!!
Ms. Betty Was a wonderful spirit always greeted you with a big smile and a kind word , whether us talking in the halls at Hacc or sitting together at the basketball and footballs games cheering on our beloved Cougars Ms Betty rest in paradise. Laurie Sinclair
My heartfelt condolences to Steve, Mike, and family.
Ms. Betty was such a bright light. We spoke often at HACC, she always had a kind word and exuded joy. She will be missed.
The way I would walk into Mommy's house and ask who she was talking to on the phone and it was you. I always hollered Betty Betty out and loved hearing your laughter about me being so loud. You loved it and I loved you. My Mommy's dear friend for almost my life time went to her heavenly home. Life changed that day and for each day forward, it will never be the same. It's been hard on Mommy as well as all of your loved ones. Knowing that she can't pick up the phone to call you or receive a call from you just checking on her is a hurt unlike no other. Yes, life has changed but we know that you are at rest. Love and miss you Betty Betty. Rest in Peace!!
I am very saddened to hear of "Miss Cook's" passing. I worked with her at HACC and she always had a friendly greeting and time for a chat. It always brightened my day to see her. I know she will be missed by her family and we will miss seeing her in the halls of Whitaker. She was a special soul!
Miss Betty I will miss sitting beside you at bingo on Thursdays eating your fish sandwich and Krimpets I will miss your kind words and prayers Rest in peace dear lady love Kaye
My sincerest condolences and prayers go out to Steve, and the family.
Mrs.Betty Summerford was the life of the party on Walnut Street Harrisburg Pennsylvania and she had a beautiful laugh 🤣 my mother in law and her were GREAT FRIENDS AND FAMILY MY HEART HURT BECAUSE SHE LOST HER FRIENDS YEARS AGO BUT SHE KEPT GOING THIS IS THE LAST ONE OF THE BEAUTIFUL QUEENS ON WALNUT STREET AND THESE LADIES TAUGHT ME SO MUCH IN LIFE AND HOW TO BE A LADY AND THUG AND MY HEART HURTS BUT ALL OF THEM ARE IN A BEAUTIFUL PLACE WERE EVERYONE IS LAUGHING AND I WILL ALWAYS HOLD THESE STRONG LADIES CLOSE TO MY HEART FOR ALL THAT I LEARNED. AMEN I AND WILL BE SO GLAD TO SEE THEM AGAIN
RIH Ms.Betty
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
