Tommie Lou Sumpter

Tommie Lou Sumpter passed away peacefully Friday, March 16, 2018. Her story started on November 13, 1926, when she was born the fourth child of Catherine and Arthur Runnels. She was born in Pauls Valley, Oklahoma, and moved to Arizona in 1941.

She met Richard Sumpter in 1945 and married him just 31 days later. They had five children: Jerry Ann Lackey; Sue Mason (Jerry); Catherine Long; Ricky Sumpter; and Cindy Donati (Robert). They shared 50 years together until God called Richard home in 1995.

There’s no denying that the people Tommie Lou loved most called her grandma or Meme. Officially, she had 12 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren and 15 great-great-grandchildren, but countless others called her by these beloved names.

She was a dear friend to all and could cook like no other. Family favorites included fried chicken, mashed potatoes, biscuits and gravy, beans and cornbread, German chocolate cake and coconut delight.

She loved “The Bachelor,” the Bible, casino, country music, “Dancing With the Stars,” Don Jose Mexican Food, Macy’s, Mervyn’s, Mr. Lucky’s, Pete’s Fish and Chips, See’s chocolate, Skip-Bo, sneaking food to dogs, sweet tea, “The Young and the Restless,” and western movies -- not necessarily in that order.

She is reunited with husband, Richard; children Vicky, Timothy and Betty Lou; brothers Ernest, Dave and Herrell; sisters Lillian, Donna and Mary Etta; sons-in-law Jesse, Marcus and Richard; and grandchildren Bobby and Melissa.

Tommie Lou was the rock of her family. All who knew her were blessed with her love, lessons and laughter during her 91 years.

Her life will be celebrated Saturday, March 24, 2018 at Greenwood Memory Lawn Mortuary and Cemetery’s Serenity Chapel, 2300 W. Van Buren St. Phoenix. Visitation will begin at 10:30 a.m. The service will follow at 11:30 a.m. Americare Hospice showed incredible love and compassion for Tommie Lou and her family for over three years. As such, in lieu of flowers, please make a donation to this worthy organization in her name.