Cary, NC— Mrs Betty Jo Summers, 93, passed away on Wednesday, December 9, 2020 at WakeMed Cary, NC. She was born July 6, 1927 in West Virginia to Clifford and Mary Hogsett. Betty Jo was raised and educated in West Virginia. She moved to Anson County, NC in 1949 where she and her husband, Arthur C. Summers arrived as school teachers in the Anson County school system. Both dedicated their lives to the children of Anson County, serving a combined 80 years in the school system as teachers and administrators. During her career, she was an active member of Delta Kappa Gamma society, serving on various committees, including the scholarship committee.
Jo was a lifelong member of the First United Methodist Church in Wadesboro, NC. She loved
raising her three children and teaching her students. Many of her students and colleagues became honorary family members, hence her nickname, “Mama Jo.” She was a dedicated “giver.” If you were in need, Mama Jo came through.
Following Arthur’s death in 2013, Jo moved to Cary to be closer to her children. She moved into the adult living community at Woodland Terrace where she thrived, making new friends and adopting many new family members.
Jo devoted herself to helping others, and nothing came before her family. She always supported them, whether it be school, church, or sports. She was an amazing and loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She will be greatly missed by her family and all who knew and loved her.
Betty Jo is survived by her three children, Dr Kathryn Summers Clark of Cary, Cliff Summers (wife Susan) of Cary, and Chuck Summers (wife Lynn) of Fredericksburg, VA; four grand children (Amanda, Josh, Banks, and Colin) and three great grand children (Noah, Gracie, and Rylie).
Given the current health restrictions due to COVID -19, a memorial service will be held at a later date. The family expects to have this service in Wadesboro once the restrictions are lifted.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in memory of Jo to First United Methodist Church in Wadesboro, NC, or the Delta Kappa Gamma scholarship fund. On line condolences may be made at Leavitt funeral home in Wadesboro.