Virginia "Jean" Summers' Obituary
Emma Virginia (“Jean”) Summers, 96, passed away Saturday morning, April 4, 2020, at C.C. Young Senior Living, Dallas, TX. Always “a morning person,” she dressed for breakfast and uncharacteristically returned to bed, where she passed away minutes later with a peaceful smile on her face.
TO VIEW THE MEMORIAL SERVICE, WHICH WILL BE LIVE-STREAMED AND VIDEOTAPED FOR VIEWING, PLEASE VISIT THE FOLLOWING LINK --- http://webcast.funeralvue.com/events/viewer/27184.
At the celebration of Jean’s life, the Rev. Dr. Jim Bowden, formerly with Kessler Park United Methodist Church where Jean and her husband were long-time members, will officiate and accord the final blessing. At a future date, Jean will be laid to rest next to her husband.
The youngest of five children, Emma Virginia was born March 25, 1924, in Toomsuba, MS, to Bess (Wimberly) and J. Robert McRee. Always known as “Jean,” she married Albert (“Al”) Reid Summers on Sept. 13, 1952, at First United Methodist Church, Dallas. They were married 54 years at the time of his passing, Sept. 13, 2006 --- their wedding anniversary.
Jean studied at the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, and later at Southern Methodist University, Dallas, taking evening business courses at both schools. She was employed by the U.S. Steel Corporation in Alabama and Dallas, where she was subsequently employed by ExxonMobil, retiring from there after 36 years of service.
Jean is survived by Barbara and Ed Ulbricht, their twin sons, Joey and Eddie, and Ginny. When the Ulbricht couple shared a church pew with Jean and Al Summers at Kessler Park United Methodist Church, they became lifelong friends and “caring family.” The boys lovingly called Jean “Mammy” and Al “Pappy.” With Al’s passing, the Ulbricht family gifted Jean a Maltepoo puppy named Ginny. They were inseparable throughout Jean’s life, and both looked strikingly similar with their curly, white-gray hair.
Jean is also survived by Martha Griffin, Linda Jackson, LaNora Rogers, Donna Benton, Dorothy Maxcy, Yvette Wheeler and countless other adored friends she made throughout her long and well-lived life.
After family and friends, Jean’s loves were many --- reading, cooking, square dancing, bridge, crossword puzzles, travel, and the Dallas Symphony. She was a sports enthusiast, especially football, basketball and baseball. And she loved desserts! She was a member of the Desk and Derrick Club, the East Kessler Book Review Club, and the United Methodist Women at Kessler Park.
In addition to her husband, Jean was preceded in death by her parents. Her dad, J. Robert McRee, passed away when she was only 16; her mom, Bess (“Bessie”) McRee lived to 100 years, the last 10 with her daughter and son-in-law. Jean was also preceded in death by her four brothers --- Joe Robert McRee, Raymond Boyd McRee, William Hester McRee and Charles Andrew McRee --- all of whom served in the U.S. military.
Summers Obituary
Jean was also preceded in death by dear friends Mildred Harrell, Martha Moody, Jane Barnes and Marjorie George.
Jean’s “adoptive family” extends special thanks and heartfelt gratitude to the many residents, caregivers and staff who lovingly cared for Jean in multiple care settings at C.C. Young Senior Living during the last 10 years and, most especially, the last several weeks during this worldwide health crisis.
Memorial gifts may be made to Kessler Park United Methodist Church (1215 Turner Avenue, Dallas, TX 75208), C.C. Young Senior Living, (4847 W. Lawther Drive, Suite 100, Dallas, TX 75214), or a charity of your choice.
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