Hazel Sillinger Sumner

September 23, 1930 – October 1, 2025

Hazel (Sillinger) Sumner, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, went to be with our Lord on October 1, 2025. Born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on September 23, 1930, Hazel had just celebrated her ninety-fifth birthday. She passed peacefully in her sleep at home, exactly the way she always hoped she would.

Hazel lived a life centered on faith, family, and love. She was a devoted wife and homemaker, a faithful follower of Christ, and every one of her children and grandchildren’s biggest cheerleader and fan. No matter the challenge, her family could always count on her for encouragement, comfort, and strength. She found joy in cooking and welcoming everyone into her home, even if it meant pulling up a chair or sitting on the floor—her door and her heart were always open.

She was preceded in death by her husband and the love of her life, Horace Sumner, with whom she shared nearly 64 years of marriage before his passing in 2014. She was also preceded by her oldest son, Rickey, and her youngest daughter, Tamie.

Hazel is survived by her children: Ted Sumner and his wife Nancy, Sherry Winkler and her husband John Paul, and Angie Sumner. She leaves behind a legacy of love in her grandchildren: Scott and Karlyn Sumner, Danny and Holly Sumner, Michael Sumner, Jennifer Winkler, John and Erica Winkler, Josh and Kayla Winkler, Margo Clark and Ace Cox, Jamey and Ashley Clark, VJ and Allison Aprea, McKenna Buhler, and Isaiah Andries. Her joy multiplied with her great-grandchildren: Kinsley, Sylvie, and Willow Sumner; Jack, Charlie, Ellie, Hadleigh, Lincoln, Georgia, and Hayes Winkler; Henri Clark; and Maverick Cox.

Hazel’s life was a testament to unwavering faith, unconditional love, and the quiet strength that holds families together. She will be deeply missed but forever remembered in the hearts of all who loved her.