Obituary of Barbara Ann Fleming Summers

Barbara Ann Fleming Summers passed away on Friday, July 28, 2023, at her home surrounded by family. She was born on August 7, 1931, the daughter of the late Joseph Coleman Fleming and Florence Eddy Fleming. She was the youngest and last surviving of their five daughters. Elizabeth and husband Stanley McElroy, Virginia and husband Jack Enix, Bonnie Fleming, and Josephine and husband Bud Sanson, all preceded her in death. Other family members preceding her in death are her nephews, Steve and Tim Vandergrift and their spouses, Danny Sanson, sons-in-law, James Smith, Dennis Haney, and Alan Henderson. In addition, she lost the love of her life, William “Billy” Summers in July of 2000. Barbara is survived by her two daughters, Cathy Summers Henderson and Sheils Summers Smith; grandchildren, Nathan Haney, Luke Haney and his wife Stephanie, Josie Henderson Barker and Trevor Henderson; eight great grandchildren, Ethan, Abby, Audrey and Isabella Haney, Delaynie, Duke and Ellyson Haney, and Fenix Barker; nieces, Beth Vandergrift and Jennifer Elrod; nephew, Larry McElroy and wife Donna; great nephews and niece, Lee and Scott McElroy, Michael Sanson, and Jenny Kirchartz. Early in Barbara’s life, she and her two sisters, Bonnie and Jo, had a singing trio and were known as the “Fleming Sisters”. They performed on the radio in the late 40’s and 50’s as well as many venues around the area. Barbara married her high school sweetheart, William “Billy” Summers, whom she proudly dated after being voted as most handsome in high school. They were married on May 3, 1952 and were later sealed in the Washington DC Temple for time and all eternity. She was employed at Becker Manufacturing as a secretary, Herman Martin Magistrate Office, and Owens-Illinois. Among her many talents, Barbara especially had natural musical abilities. In addition to her singing, she played the violin as a child as well as piano, which she eventually taught to her grandchildren. She loved attending the local music shows and listening to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. She was an exceptional baker and homemaker and influenced all of those around her with deep love and kindness. She had a big love for animals and children and dearly loved her church friends at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints where she served as relief society president and primary teacher. There are no words to describe the love her family felt for her, and to her, family was everything. She was the closest thing to an angel that a person can be, and will be greatly missed until we all meet again. The family will receive friends at Ford Funeral Home, 201 Columbia St., Fairmont, WV 26554, on Tuesday, August 1, 2023, from 12 noon until 12:30 p.m. The funeral service will be held in the funeral home on Tuesday, August 1, 2023, at 12:30 p.m. with Bruce Hunter officiating. A committal service will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery in Fairmont. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.fordfuneralhomes.com.