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Obituary for Mary Alice Sumrow

Mary Alice  Sumrow
Mary Alice Sumrow was born in Toledo, Ohio on January 16, 1947 to the late Richard Pickett, Jr. and Edna Williams Pickett. Mary was the eldest of eight children. She made her transition on August 26, 2018.
Mary was united in holy matrimony to the late Reverend Fred L. Sumrow, Jr. To this union two daughters were born: Deanna Caprice Sumrow and Reverend April Sharene Sumrow.
She was educated in Toledo Public Schools and was a proud graduate of Jessup W. Scott High School(Once a bulldog; always a bulldog). She attended the University of Toledo where she majored in business.
Mary worked at Smith Cafeteria for a year until she was employed by Community Traction, now known as TARTA for 37 years. Mary made history as the first African American to hold the number one position which meant she had top seniority. She was the first African American female to participate in the Bus Rodeo. Her tenure was celebrated upon her retirement in 2008 with a signature article in the Toledo Blade.
Mary accepted Christ at the age of 13 and in 1959 united with St. Paul A.M.E. Zion Church under Rev. Byrl F. Wright. Her godmother, Rev. Naomi Kyser was instrumental in her early Christian development and the Prayer Band played a primary role. Mary had a love for the mothers of the church.
Mary was an active missionary on the local and district level. She was a former District
Superintendent of the Buds of Promise, a Deaconess, Missionary, Usher, and director of Home Missions. Mary was involved in the community with the Citywide missionaries, Ministers Wives Association, Citywide Widows Association, NAACP and TUSA. At their 100th Anniversary Mary was honored for the 46 years she supported the Virgin Island Annual Conference. Mary’s greatest joy however was serving as first lady sharing in ministry with her husband.
Mary had a wonderful sense of humor as evidenced by her “Marxism's.” We all were privileged to hear things like “I love the fellowship and the fellows” in the ship; He’s a honey, but the bees don’t know; ain’t no need of lying or trying; Too old of a cat to be scratched by a kitten; cutie on duty; I know your birthday is your business but how long you’ve been in business; and Foot! Mary was a student of the Word. Her over 30,000 Facebook followers were blessed each morning to read her morning inspiration with their morning cup of joe. Mary always had a Scripture to share as a word of encouragement.
Mary was an awesome wife, mother, sister ,and was a jewel to her family. She had no problem telling you that she was the “Matriarch” of the family. She was a phenomenal cook who served plenty of food as she showed hospitality to all who entered. Her home was one of love and compassion. She was witty, quick thinking, with a personality larger than life!
Mary truly loved the Lord, not only speaking but living a life that reflected Christ.
Anyone in her presence would be fed physically and spiritually. Mary was preceded in death by her parents , Richard and Edna Pickett; sister, Patricia Pickett; brother Michael Pickett; husband Reverend Fred L. Sumrow, Jr.; daughter Deanna C. Sumrow. Mary’ s memory is cheried by her daughter Reverend April S. Sumrow; sisters Reverend Shirley Dodds (Jake); Evelyn Valentine; brothers Larry Pickett, Melvin Pickett, Bob Pickett; Grandson Patrick W. Paige II, granddaughter Jessica N. Paige; Godchildren, Antoinette Thomas, J. R. Valentine, Pa’Sion Gist, and Yasmeen Johnson. Four of her closest friends Willie Ann Moore. Annie Valentine, Sandra Jackson and Bonnie McCormick and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

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