Mary Frances Bryant Sumner

ROCKY MOUNT - Mary Frances Bryant Sumner was born November 10, 1931 in Halifax County to the late Kinzie Bryant and Lucille Jones Bryant. She departed this earthly life on Monday, February 19, 2018. Mary's biological mother died when she was seven years old. She was raised by a special couple during the remainder of her growing-up years, Willie and Ellen Silver Wilkins. They were her aunt and uncle and they loved the Lord with a strong passion and taught Mary well. Mary was blessed with the love and companionship of five Wilkins cousins who became her five foster siblings. Mary also had the love, warmth and kindness of a step-mom when her father married Marie Pittman. Mary received her education at Eden Elementary School and Eastman High School in Halifax County. She loved school and did well in all the spelling bees. Mary married her beloved sweetheart, Howard Sumner and they were married for 60 years and ten months. Mary stayed home and raised their six children when they were young. She also raised bountiful vegetable gardens and canned many jars of vegetables and fruit to help feed the family during the winter months. When the children were older, Mary went to work at Abbotts Laboratory. She worked for 19 years and then retired. Mary joined Plumbline United Holiness Church at an early age and served as a member of the Young People Holiness Association. Upon moving to Rocky Mount, Mary joined Grace Covenant Church. She was a faithful member. Later she became a member of Church on the Rise in Rocky Mount. She loved the church and was always present on Sundays unless she was sick. She rarely missed a Sunday morning service. Mary loved the Lord. In her quiet and gentle way, she made a difference in people's lives wherever she went. Her life was a model of commitment to Christ and example of what a Christian wife, mother, and grandmother should be. She loved her family and valued each as a precious gift to her. She was a woman of real character; a gracious lady with inner strength that comes only from knowing God and trusting in Him. Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Howard Henry Sumner, Sr.; one son, Howard, Jr.; one grandson, John; her father, Kinzie, Sr. and step-mother Marie; two sisters, Elizabeth, and Lula; six brothers, Elliott, Willie, Kinzie, Jr., Bennie, Alvin and Rufus; foster mother, Ellen; foster father, Willie; foster sisters, Bertha, Willa Mae, Delilah; foster brothers, Rossie Lee and Woodrow. Mary leaves to cherish her memory, three daughters, Joyce Massenburg, Irene Woherem, both of Rocky Mount, Edith Battle of New Jersey; two sons, Walter Sumner of Rocky Mount and Jeremiah Sumner of Battleboro; two sons-in-law, Sorell Massenburg and V. DuWayne Battle and two daughters-in-law, Ann Sumner and Doris Sumner. Mary also leaves to cherish her memory, two sisters, Lillian Brown (Charles) of Gahanna, OH and Vanessa Battle (Eddie) of Temple Hills, MD; and a special family friend, Cleo Wilkins. She also leaves to cherish her memory 13 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. In addition, she leaves to cherish her memory a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends. A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, February 24, 2018 at 1:00 PM at Church on the Rise, 3520 Bishop Road, Rocky Mount, with Pastor Richard Gurganus and Rev. Dr. V. DuWayne Battle officiating. Burial will follow the service at Sumner Family Cemetery, 2221 Old 125 Road, Halifax, NC 27839. A Visitation will be held from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM prior to the service in the Sanctuary of Church on the Rise. Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com. Visitation RISE Church - Rocky Mount Campus 3520 Bishop Road Rocky Mount, NC 27804 ID ) ); ?>"> --> 252-557-1793 --> | Saturday 2/24, 11:30 am - 12:30 pm A Visitation will be held from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM prior to the service in the Sanctuary of Church on the Rise. Service RISE Church - Rocky Mount Campus 3520 Bishop Road Rocky Mount, NC 27804 ID ) ); ?>"> --> 252-557-1793 --> | Saturday 2/24, 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, February 24, 2018 at 1:00 PM at Church on the Rise, 3520 Bishop Road, Rocky Mount, with Pastor Richard Gurganus and Rev. Dr. V. DuWayne Battle officiating. Cemetery Sumner Family Cemetery 2221 Old 125 Road Halifax, NC 27839 Saturday 2/24, 2:00 pm - 2:30 pm Burial will follow the service at Sumner Family Cemetery, 2221 Old 125 Road, Halifax, NC 27839.