Kathleen Estelle Sumner

Kathleen Estelle Sumner

August 15, 1925 to July 1, 2008

BURLINGTON - Kathleen Estelle Sumner was nicknamed "Kitty" by her sisters Violet, Winifred (Wink), and brothers Jake and Chester (Paul).

Kathleen Adamee Sumner, 82, of Burlington left to become an angel to watch over and care for her family, Tuesday early evening. Born on August 15, 1925 in the city of Durham, she grew up on Alston Avenue the youngest daughter of Jacob and Mary. Her sister Winifred and her two brothers, Jake and Chester preceded her in death.

Kathleen went through life and simply asked nothing for herself. She raised four loving sons and was without question one of the most loving people to have graced this earth with her time spent. Each of her children, although completely different, were taught one of the greatest yet simplest ways to approach life and others. Treat everyone with kindness, care, respect and consideration while understanding both their needs and personal welfare. While she was at it, she recommended two additional tips for all boys to use, keep your elbows off the table, chew with your mouth closed, and most likely you'll make out all right.

She was a devoted wife for 63 years to her husband J.C., whom she's with again, and 61 years she toted along their four boys. Kathleen lived close to Christ, as her sister Violet stated and she knows where she is and that she's very happy - she's along with her mother Mary Elizabeth Morris who was one of the first 10  girls to live at Elon Orphanage, and her loving father, Jacob Adamee. 

Kathleen is survived by her beautiful sister, Violet Adamee Inge Manson, and her four sons, Gary Charles Sumner, his wife Jackie, and their children Shawn, and Stephanie, David Lynn Sumner, his wife Anne, and their two children Antonin, and Camille, Phillip Hurley Sumner, his wife Dianne, and their two sons, Shaun and Stephan, Neal Sumner, his wife Stephanie, and their two children, Keaton and Berkeley. 

Burial will be held in Alamance Memorial Park in Burlington, N.C. immediately following the memorial service, Sunday July 6th. The Memorial Service will be held at Rich & Thompson Funeral Home at 306 Glenwood Avenue in Burlington N.C. The zip code is 27215, and it's located on the corner of Glenwood and Church Streets. Visitation is from 1 to 2 p.m. on Sunday with the service afterward.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: The Elon School, 201 South O'Kelly Avenue, Elon, N.C. 27244, Phone 336-584-0091, e-mail moreinformation@theelonschool.org 

Condolences may be sent to info@richandthompson.com.