Betty Louise (James) Sumner

Durant, OK-    Betty Louise (James) Sumner, 84, passed from this life on Tuesday, August 13th, 2024 surrounded by her loving family. Betty was born on Thursday, September 28, 1939 in Sundown, Texas to Rev. Andrew James and Dorothy Louise (Miller) James.

Betty grew up at a young age in Levelland and Lubbock.  She was the daughter of a minister, moving often and ending up in Wynnewood.  Betty married her sweetheart, Charles Sumner, on April 24th, 1955 in Gainesville, Texas.  Together they owned and operated Sumner Foods on 1st Street in Durant for many years.  Betty also worked as a homemaker and raising their 3 children. 

Betty was a pretty good bowler as she competed in bowling leagues. She loved planting and raising all kinds of flowers but her favorite is the magnolia.  She also enjoyed working in the garden raising all vegetables and canning for her family and friends.  Betty believed “Life is Short, Eat Dessert First”.                                                                                                         

Betty was preceded in death by her parents; her oldest sister Evelyn Marcy, and infant sister Lola Marie James. She is survived by her husband, Charles, of the home; daughter, Betty Charlene Dixon of Wynnewood; son, Dr. James Roy Sumner and his wife, Kathy of Durant; daughter, LaVon Ladua of Ardmore; her siblings, Ethel Russell, Reva Martin, Sonny James, Linda Sanzalone, and Darlene James;  grandchildren Jackie Dixon, Jenica Gay (Preston), Dr. Brandon Sumner (Kara), Chris Sumner (Krystal), Dr. Michael Sumner (Dr. Jessica), Michelle Hill (Clay), and Matt Burk (Britnye);  great-grandchildren Brooklyn Brower (Blayne), Bryce Dixon, Brock Dixon, Jaiden New, Andrew New, Jaci Arnold, Matthew Hill, Lauren Sumner, Emma Sumner, Savannah Sumner, Sadie Sumner, Kollins Wright, Kruz Balentine, and Callaway, Jaxson and Hannah Mofield; and a great-great-granddaughter, Brielle Brower.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday, August 17th, at Brown’s Funeral Home chapel with Chaplain Don Fentem officiating.  Committal services will follow at Gethsemane Cemetery in Caddo with grandchildren Jackie Dixon, Jenica Gay, Brandon Sumner, Chris Sumner, Michael Sumner, Matt Burk and Michelle Hill serving as casket bearers.

The family will receive and greet friends from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Friday, August 16th, at Brown’s Funeral Home.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.brownsfuneralservice.com.

Services are under the direction of Brown’s Funeral Service.