Jean Cordell Summers

Jean Summers was born Emogene Lois Cordell on March 30, 1928 at the home of her maternal grandparents Earnest Albert and Martha Ellen (Hull) Ford near Independence, Missouri. She was the firstborn child of proud parents Cecil William and Grace Ellen (Ford) Cordell.

Jean grew up with her sister and brother in West Plains, a small town in southern Missouri established just prior to the Civil War. After graduating high school, she married Fred Thomas (Tom) Summers on May 4, 1947. The headline for their nuptials read, “Two Pioneer Families Unite”.

Tom and Jean went on to raise their own family of three children primarily in Ohio and Illinois. Life was busy with work, school activities, and church life. After the sudden passing of her beloved husband, Jean settled in Marco Island, Florida where she lived for 36 years.

Jean had been blessed with many close friends over the years, but her dearest friendships had been formed with women on this island. She spent many happy years in friendship and service with these dear ladies. They started a women’s Bible study on the beach, collected items for prisoners, and served together at Marco Presbyterian Church. She also served with Christian Women’s Club and the Daughters of the American Revolution. Throughout her life, her love extended to anyone in need with service and hospitality.

Those left to treasure her memory include her brother Guy Cordell and family of Houston, Texas, her beloved children Lynn Summers of O’Fallon, Missouri, Pat Hancock of Marco Island, Florida, and Jan (Mark) Pribble of Livingston, Texas. Grandma Jean left a legacy of fun and faith to her seven grandchildren: Mark Summers, Marsha Summers, Matthew (Marie) Hancock, Andrew (Sarah) Hancock, Paul (Ashley) Hancock, Daniel (Kristy) Pribble and Stephen Pribble. Jean and her great-grandchildren were fortunate to enjoy each other as a result of her longevity: Gavin Al-Barakat, Pierce, Cal, and Eve Hancock, Dominique and Lucas Aanthony, Ari Tatiana Hancock and Linus Pribble. Jean is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Jean was predeceased by her husband Tom, son-in-law Alan Hancock, grandson Jonathan Pribble, sister Mildred Knighton, and nephew Howard Knighton.

A private family gathering will be held at a later date when she will be laid to rest at Lakeview Memorial Gardens in Fairview Heights, Illinois alongside her beloved husband, Tom.

Memorial donations may be made in Jean’s memory to Avow Hospice of Naples, Florida, Daughters of the American Revolution Marco Island Chapter, or a charity of your choosing.