Alberta Brown Sumlar

Alberta Brown Sumlar was born on July 9, 1928 in Jacksonville, Florida to Jim Brown and Alice Vaughn Brown. She attended school and graduated from Stanton High School in 1948, then furthered her education by earning a Registered Nursing Degree from Grady Memorial School of Nursing, Atlanta, GA. Other universities and schools were attended to advance her nursing skills. She worshipped in Chicago and upon returning to Jacksonville, she placed her membership at New Life Community Church where she faithfully served for many years under the leadership of Pastor Lee Welkley. Currently she was a dedicated and faithful member of Southpoint Seventh Day Adventist Church where the Pastor is Fidel Soto. She was baptized there and sought and obtained a closer relationship with God whom she loved. Bill Sumlar, the love of her life became her husband and they had three children: Kenneth, William and Phyllis. Later, she married Sidney Crenshaw, who preceded her in death. Her Chicago area employment included working at Michael Reese Hospital as one of the first African-American nurses hired, the Chicago Department of Health, and Cook County Jail. In Florida, she worked for the Florida Department of Health, Florida State Prison, Duval County Jail, University Hospital and Community Hospice of Northeast Florida from which she retired. She was a member of Grady Nursing Association. This caring woman loved people and possessed a giving and sharing spirit. She formed long lasting relationships and had many friends. Her hobbies included cosmetology, entrepreneurship, catering, upholstering, working on the computer and reading. While in Chicago, she operated a home for women with mental health issues. If she conceived it, she achieved it. She departed this life surrounded by loving family members on March 12, 2014 at 5:35 P.M. in Earl B Hadlow Center for Caring. She leaves to cherish her memory a sister, Ernestine Brown; three children, Kenneth (Diane), William, and Phyllis; grandchildren: Shawn, Alysia N, Brianna, Constance, Veronica and Alysia D.; great grandchildren, god-children, numerous in-laws, cousins, nieces, nephews, relatives, and special friends Marion Phipps and Catherine Smith plus a host of other friends.