Betsy Kate Summerville

December 24, 1926 - July 25, 2011
Betsy Kate Summerville

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Betsy Kate Summerville

Betsy Kate Summerville of Leland, NC, went to be with the Lord on Monday, July 25, 2011, and is now celebrating with her husband and other loved ones.

She was born in Baltimore, MD, on December 24, 1926, the daughter of the late George William and Eula Lee (Rowell) Lennon and was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Donald Roy Summerville, and cherished brother, James Lennon.

Betsy was a member of Goshen Baptist Church where she taught Sunday School and was the President of the Woman’s Missionary Union. She was one of the earliest supporters of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship and a prime activist for the movement to stop Hugo Neu’s construction of a landfill in the community. She also was a gifted artist and great seamstress, but the most important thing to her was spending time with God and her family.

Surviving are: Debbie White and husband Wayne of Leland, NC, Donna Leonard of Leland, NC, and Dianne Kolb and husband Doug of Valdese, NC; two brothers, Billy Lennon of Leland, NC, and Donald Lennon and wife Billie of Greenville, NC, a sister, Nancy Clark and husband Vernon of Leland, NC; five grandchildren, Carey Coniglio and husband Brent of Wilmington, NC, Chris White and wife Vicky of Aiken, SC, Claudia James and husband Howard of Blanch, NC, Douglas Kolb, Jr. and wife Jennifer of Valdese, NC, Nicholas Kolb and wife Beth of Valdese, NC; and nine great-grandchildren, Trinity Kate, Cassidy, Hunter, Zoey, Tamara, Josco, Trey, Dougie, and Maddox.

A visitation will be held from 10:30 – 11:30 on Friday, July 29, 2011, at Goshen Baptist Church, followed by a burial in the church cemetery from 11:30 – 12:00.

A service of celebration will be held from 12:00 – 1:00 PM, Friday July 29, 2011, at Goshen Baptist Church (www.goshenbc.org), led by Dr. Barbara Bell.

Pallbearers will be: Nicholas Kolb, Wayne White, Beth Kolb, Chris White, Douglas Kolb, Jr. and Joe Santiago.

Honorary Pallbearers will be: Donna Leonard and the Women on Mission of Goshen Baptist Church.

A service of Village Road Funeral and Cremation Service, Leland, NC.


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  • July 27, 2011
    Robbie Ann Robbins says:
    I am so sorry to hear about Betsy Kate's homegoing. She was such a gracious woman, so much like her mother. Will be thinking of the family as you go through this difficult time. She is now one of our angels.

  • July 28, 2011
    Stephanie Wells Blanton says:
    Donna I am so sorry about your mother passing. I remember spending time at your house growing up and how special she made everyone feel. You all are in my thoughts and prayers. Stephanie

  • July 28, 2011
    Roger Queen says:
    Dianne and all of the family, I am really sorry for your loss. You will be in my prayers and thoughts.

  • July 29, 2011
    virginia & Earl Bryant says:
    Donna, We were sorry to hear of the loss of your Mother. She looked just like you. We will keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers. Your friends, Ginny and Earl Bryant

  • August 04, 2011
    Debbie White says:
    If I am half as brave, intelligent, and giving as my Mother..... Then that would be amazing. She would tackle any situation with grace and careful consideration. There was no backing down. Even in her 80s she had a curiosity and skill with electronic devices... Whether it was a DVR,laptop, iPod, or iPad. Her biggest gift to us children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren was her faith and love for God and us. She didn't just say the right words... She walked the walk. We love our Mother and thank God for everyday we had her and look forward to seeing her again.