Obituary of Jenky Summers

Rachael Jacqueline “Jenky” Summers was born in Lexington, NC on September 13, 1923, to Henry Calvin Miller and Maggie Lillian Stokes Miller. She departed this life on Sunday, December 22, 2019. Jenky was preceded in death by her husband, Jack McConnell Summers, her parents, and her siblings, Henry Miller (Ruth), Margaret Noblitt (Jack) and Clara Ann Gilstrap (Hazel). Jenky attended the Women’s College of Greensboro (UNC-G) before transferring to Furman University to join her sister Classie. There she met and married Jack, the love of her life. After graduation, she worked in the Bursar’s office while Jack completed his degree after fighting in World War II. Jack became a high school Head Football Coach, coaching in Fountain Inn, Cheraw, and Sumter. Jenky spent a period of time as a sports correspondent, reporting Sumter Gamecock results to The State newspaper. Jenky and Jack had five children: Jack “Mac” McConnell Summers (Janet), Sudie Margaret Althisar (Raleigh), Julie Miller Summers, Mary Jacqueline Brennan, and James Preston Summers (Laura). Jenky taught 4th grade for a number of years before being promoted to the 5th for a total of 24 years. Jenky and Jack were charter members of Aldersgate United Methodist Church. She devoted much of her life to the church serving on numerous committees including Chair of the Staff Parish Relations Committee, singing in the choir, serving as Sunday School teacher for the Wesley Fellowship Class, leading the Prayer Shawl Ministry, and was a member of Circle #3. Jenky made many friends through the Emmaus Spiritual Retreat Ministry and the Kairos Prison Ministry. Her children always looked forward to tales of Mama’s weekend at the prison. Jenky loved her large family of 12 grandchildren, Julie Althisar Melton (Dan), Bryan Summers (Theresa), Sutton Althisar, Jason Summers (Meg), Tyler Althisar, Patrick Brennan, Summers Brennan (Kandyce), Philipp Summers (Elyse), Preston Brennan, Rachael Summers DeYoung (Dylan), Jack Summers, and Alex Summers; 11 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews and all their children. She loved her good friend Josie Ragin, her church family and her community. Jenky was never happier than when she could be at the beach, watch Duke basketball, read a good book, or hear a good joke. She lived out her walk with Christ through word and deed. She loved life and hated to leave when she still had so much left to do. Funeral services will be held at 2 P.M. Friday at Aldersgate United Methodist Church with Rev. David Day officiating. Burial will follow in the Sumter Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5 P.M. to 7 P.M. Thursday at the Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home. Grandsons will serve as Pallbearers. Honorary Pallbearers will be members of the Wesley Fellowship Class. Memorials may be made to Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 211 Alice Drive, Sumter, SC 29150. Online condolences may be sent to www.sumterfunerals.com Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home & Crematory, 221 Broad Street, Sumter, is in charge of the arrangements (803) 775-9386.