Selma “Selly” Lucy Summers, 62, was born October 7, 1963, in Trinidad and Tobago, and passed away March 25, 2026. After first meeting her, it didn’t take long to understand why she was so beloved—hard-working, kind-hearted, selfless, wise, gentle, compassionate, devoted, faithful, and patient in the ways that truly matter. From that day forward, Selly’s presence felt like shelter: steady, warm, and quietly strong.
Selly was a woman of bright light—a healer, a matriarch, and a woman of virtue. She was vigorous about cultivating her family, pouring her heart and soul into being an excellent wife and mother. Graceful with her stewardship and generous with her resources, she was always willing to feed a stranger and curve the judgement of the scorner. Soft spoken and never angry, Selly carried a tender heart and an uncommon calm, offering unconditional patience and compassion to those around her. She was a sincere friend and companion, and loyal to those she held dear.
She was hardworking and loved her job at Brookdale, where she served as a Certified Nursing Assistant and Med Tech. In that work—caring for others day after day—Selly’s gentle spirit and faithful devotion were not just qualities people admired; they were gifts she lived out in real time, in real ways.
Family was Selly’s center. Her beloved husband, Norman Dewitt Summers, died on March 23, 2026, and a piece of her died with him, ultimately taking her from us due to a broken heart. She loved her family and was always helping her kids “get on their feet,” giving without keeping score, and showing up again and again with steady hands and a compassionate heart.
She also had her own joys—simple, bright ones. Selly loved shopping and never wore the same outfit twice, a small but telling detail that captured her spirit: thoughtful, put-together, and quietly expressive in her own way.
Selly was preceded in death by her husband, Norman Dewitt Summers, and her father, Anthony A. Metivier. She is survived by her mother, Jemma Rabess Metivier; her daughters and family: Curtis D. Summers (Brittany) of Lexington, North Carolina, Karolyn Summers of Statesville, North Carolina, Krystal Summers of Statesville, North Carolina, and Karen Rabess of Statesville, North Carolina; her brother, Dexter Metivier (Natalie) of New York; her sisters, Joni Emeric of New York and Nicole Gutierrez (Michael) of New York. Selly also leaves to cherish her memory 16 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. Two god-children, Koriyon Young and Taliah Dulin, also survive her.
The family will receive friends at Bunch-Johnson Funeral Home in Statesville, North Carolina, on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
A Homegoing Service will be held in the Chapel of Bunch-Johnson Funeral Home in Statesville on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at 2:00 p.m.
Words of condolences and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family, online at www.bunchjohnsonfuneralhome.com
Bunch-Johnson Funeral Home of Statesville is honored to be entrusted with the care of Selly and her family.
