Dorothy "Dot" Sue Summers

She was born on February 18, 1942, in Cedar Hill, Tennessee, to the late Braden and Mattie Lee (Barbee) Woodard. Dorothy accepted Christ at an early age and lived with Proverbs 3:5-7 in her heart.

Dorothy was a graduate of Bransford High School in Springfield, Tennessee, where she met the love of her life, Winston Summers. They were united in holy matrimony on September 3, 1966, and were blessed to share 59 years of marriage. From this union, two sons were born: Joel Anthony Summers and Eric Chatman Summers.

Dorothy was a faithful and devoted member of Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church. She served lovingly as a Deaconess, sang in both the Senior Choir and Ladies Chorus, participated in the Missionary Circle, and was honored as Mother of the Year in 1985. Quiet yet dependable, Dorothy remained a cherished member of her church family until health challenges prevented her from attending. She will be remembered for her faithfulness, kindness, and gentle spirit.

Dorothy had a deep love for children. She worked nurturing young minds as a daycare teacher and instructional assistant at Auntie Mame’s Daycare and Indianapolis Public Schools. Even after retirement, she and her husband continued to serve their community as volunteers, helping young students learn to read and teaching lessons on healthy eating.

She also worked in retail at Cash Bargain Center and Burlington Coat Factory, where she was known as a social butterfly—always welcoming, friendly, and eager to connect with customers and coworkers alike.

In addition to her parents, Dorothy was preceded in death by her sisters, Maudie Mae Woodard Hutchinson and Annie Woodard Reed; and her brothers, Charles Woodard and Lewis Woodard.

She leaves to cherish her memory her loving husband, Winston Summers; two devoted sons, Joel (Deborah) Summers and Eric (Natalee) Summers; three beloved grandchildren, Darias, Dyrus, and Lailah; her sister, Leona “Doll” Lyle (Sam); and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and dear friends.

Dorothy’s life was a testament to faith, service, and love, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

A visitation will be held on January 3, 2026, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church, located at 2815 Sutherland Ave., Indianapolis, Indiana, 46205.

Following the visitation, a Celebration of Life will take place at the same location, beginning at 12:00 pm.