Joseph Stuart Sumner

morning of May 29, 2025 at his residence from years of disability after a stroke in 1999, and the

past two years, cancer.

Joseph (Joe) was born on August 20, 1934 in Quincy, Florida , the son of Marcus S. Sumner and Wilma

Smith Sumner. He graduated in the Andrew Jackson High School class of 1953.

Joe was employed by Western Electric/AT&T and retired after thirty-one years. He belonged to the

Florida Athletic Association and over the years, worked as a referee for high school basketball. As

a member of the Naval Reserves, he served two years of active duty in the Navy.

On December 17, 1954, in Jacksonville, Florida, Joe married his high school sweetheart, Margaret

Jan Vickers, and this year would be the 71st anniversary. Their three daughters, six grandchildren

and four great grandchildren, brought much joy to him.

Joe’s job transfer moved the family in 1966 to Pembroke Pines, Florida where they lived for 49

years. In 2015, Joe and Jan moved back to Jacksonville to be closer to family. He was an active

member of Pembroke Road Baptist Church and returning to Jacksonville, became a member of Fruit Cove Baptist Church. Joe was a lifetime member of the Telephone Pioneers and active in the W.E Gators

chapter.

Joe liked to spend time with his friends, many of whom were lifetime buddies. He liked to play

golf, watch Florida Gators Sports, lawn work, and he could fix most anything. He was a good

neighbor and was called on many times for help and he became known as “The Mayor” of his neighborhood.

He was of strong faith, and the grace of God helped him to be courageous throughout the many years

of his health challenges. With God’s provision, his loving family, wonderful caregivers, Joe was

always cared for at home. In his lifetime, he was blessed to experience being a member of a church

family.

Joe loved and was grateful for his family. He was always a proud father and experienced great joy

in being “gramps” and cherished the time spent with his grandchildren. He gave his all to be a

good husband, father, and gramps and he will always be loved and remembered.

Joe is predeceased by his parents and his sisters, Loraine Fessell and Georgie Black.

He is survived by his wife, Jan Sumner, three daughters, Lynn Lafferty (David), Cheryl Stewart,

Lisa Stewart (Mark), six grandchildren, Joseph Stewart (Vivian), Jessica Scott (Thomas), David

Lafferty, Jr, Michael Stewart, Joshua Stewart, Megan Lafferty, four great grandchildren, Anniston

(Annie) and Olivia (Livie) Scott and Mason and Lucas Stewart. Surviving also are several nieces,

nephews and cousins.

Joe’s Celebration of Life Memorial Service is on June 21, 2025 at 11:00 A.M. at Hardage-Giddens

Oaklawn Legacy Lodge, 4801 San Jose Blvd., Jacksonville, Fl.

Donations can be made to Heartland Hospice, Jacksonville or any Children’s Hospital of choice.