Barbara India Byrd Sumpter

On March 12, 2025 Barbara, of Suffolk Virginia, passed away in Gaithersburg, MD surroundedby family. Barbara was born on February 7, 1932 to the late Charlie and Catherine Byrd.Barbara attended Booker T. Washington High School where she was a proud member of thecheer squad. At the age of 12, while visiting her Aunt in Pittsburgh, she met the love of her lifeand future husband. They wrote letters throughout high school. Upon graduating high school,Barbara worked at Planters Peanuts until Curtis returned from his tour overseas with the US AirForce.

Barbara was engaged to her childhood friend, Curtis Sumpter, in 1955. Curtis and Barbaramarried on April 7, 1956, and relocated to Pittsburgh Pennsylvania. They had two sons, CurtisJr and Charles. Barbara was a loving wife and mother. She was an active member of the PTA.Barbara enjoyed life and was a very social person. She was an active member of BlackadoreAve Presbyterian Church and Valley View Presbyterian Church in Pittsburgh. Upon returning toher childhood hometown of Suffolk, she reunited with First Baptist Church Mahan Street.Barbara also belonged to various clubs including Club 21 in Pittsburgh. With her friend Jan,Barbara cofounded the Lucky Ladies and Ladies and Gents bowling leagues. Barbara lovedplaying cards and hosting dinner parties…she was the Casserole Queen. She also loved toshop with her best friend Marie Everett. Barbara was the center of her family. She was herchildren’s biggest and loudest supporter and cheerleader. She was very protective of her familyand made sure everyone knew it.

In 1969, Barbara went to work at Pittsburgh National Bank, formerly Peoples Bank. She hadseveral promotions during her tenure. After 25 years, she retired in 1994 as the BranchManager of the East Liberty Drive Thru. Upon retirement, Barbara and Curtis moved back toSuffolk VA to care for her mother. In retirement she loved to spend time with her children andgrandchildren. She was also known to stay out late playing cards with her card club.Barbara is survived by her husband of 69 years, Curtis Lee Sumpter Sr. and their sons, CurtisLee Sumpter Jr. (Irenilde) and Charles Ronald Sumpter (Tammy); grandchildren, Ashley (Mike),Briana, Nicole, Curtis III, and Julia; great-grandchildren, Owen and Wesley; sister-in-law,Vermelle Byrd; and many nieces and nephews.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents Charlie and Catherine Byrd; her siblings,Charlie, Raymond, Ronald, and Catherine.

A visitation will be held at DeVol Funeral Home, 10 East Deer Park Dr, Gaithersburg, Marylandon Friday, March 21, 2025, from 10 AM to 11AM with a service to be held at 11AM. Intermentwill follow at Parklawn Memorial Park, Rockville Maryland.