Mrs. Floyce Y. Sumners

Born on April 15, 1930, in Albertville, Alabama, Floyce was the daughter of Clarence Ezra Yates and Era Capehart Yates. She entered the world alongside her twin sister, arriving just five minutes later as the younger of the two. She graduated from Albertville High School, where she excelled in drama and displayed the poise and confidence that would characterize her throughout her life.

After graduation, she began her career as a secretary for Dixie Highway, where she was known for her remarkable typing speed of ninety words per minute. Her life took a wonderful turn when she met Charles Eugene "Gene" Sumners on a blind date. The two fell in love and were married shortly after. She gladly left her career to devote herself fully to being a wife and mother, embracing the role that brought her fulfillment.

As her family grew, so did her service to others. She later returned to the workforce as a teacher at McElwain Baptist Kindergarten, where she shared her love and patience with young children. She went on to serve as a payroll clerk at Kmart until her retirement. However, retirement did not mark the end of her life's work. Feeling called to a new ministry, she returned to work as Church Secretary at First Baptist Church Vincent, a position she considered her true calling. There, she faithfully served her church family with dedication, kindness, and a servant's heart.

Floyce was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Charles Eugene Sumners, and her parents, Clarence Ezra Yates and Era Capehart Yates, siblings and in-laws; Clarence Yates, Jr. (Mary), Clarice Green (Gerald), Evelyn Hyde (Bill), Margaret Jarvis (Authur), Loree Teal (Trenton), and Joyce Bates (Jack). Those from her husband’s family who preceded her were Leroy Sumners (Ruth), Walt Sumners (Cora), Paul Sumners (Estelle), Clyde Sumners (Virginia), and Robert Earl Sumners.

She is survived by her daughter, Sherri Sumners; her son, Shane Sumners; and daughter-in-law, Pheza Cofield Sumners. She also leaves behind her cherished grandsons and their wives, Jacob and Courtney Sumners and Brad and Megan Sumners. Her pride and joy extended to her three great-granddaughters, Ashton, Mary Nicole, and Emma. To the grands and great grands, she was always, “Gammy.” She is further survived by her brother, James Yates of Yukon, Oklahoma, and his wife, Shirley, and her sister-in-law, Ann Sumners of Rome, Georgia.

The family is grateful for the wonderful caregivers who were there for her in her last years. Dorcas, Rachel, and Deb became like family. Both Compassus and Chattahoochee Hospice provided attentive and compassionate care, and the staff at Arbor Lake ensured her last days were at peace.

Floyce's life reflected faith, devotion, and unconditional love. Whether caring for her family, teaching young children, serving her church, or supporting friends and neighbors, she lived with grace, humility, and compassion.

The family will receive friends and family at Curtis & Sons Funeral Home in Sylacauga on Wednesday, July 29 at 1 pm with the funeral following at 2pm and interment in Vincent City Cemetery at 3:15 pm