Contributions to the tribute of Carolyn Summers

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Friday, June 25, 2021

It was about 1990 when Carolyn joined the faculty at Oran M. Roberts Elementary in Dallas ISD as a Title I teacher. I was a 2nd grade teacher. Her schedule involved coming to my classroom and others to take one or more students to her portable to work one-on-one or in small groups on reading and language arts skills. Carolyn was in her element doing what she loved! A few years later, she was moved into the building to work with small groups using a computer-based reading program and continuing her one-on-one instruction. Computers were new to Carolyn but she persevered. She was the first computer lab teacher under the Title I umbrella at the school. I had by this time become the librarian/computer teacher tech. Her room was next door to the library. Carolyn would ask for help from time to time and took good care of the computers on a weekly basis to keep them running smoothly by cleaning and covering them. She was organized and efficient to a T. Her students loved and respected her. Carolyn was also the Spelling Bee coordinator for the school. She organized with the appropriate grade level teachers to submit a student’s name from each class. The Spelling Bee was held in the library and conducted in a manner according to the official rules. She and I worked together often in many other ways. After Carolyn retired, students would stop me and inquire about Mrs. Summers. They wanted to know how she was doing. Carolyn was a kind, genteel lady who had been totally dedicated to her students. Our friendship continued after her retirement and mine just a year or two later. We (including fellow teacher Karen Wyse) would meet at her home from time to time and go out for lunch and a long visit. When Carolyn could no longer leave her home, we would take lunch to her and spend time eating and visiting and reminiscing about our times at O. M. Roberts. Then COVID put an end to our in-person visits. A few times we would converse via phone or email or texts. My last communication with her was around Thanksgiving, 2020. I texted an animated emoji with a mask wishing her Happy Thanksgiving. Her reply was, “Ohhhh me!” On other occasions, she would sometimes comment, “You are amazing!” (In reality, she was the amazing one!) Even though I didn’t talk with or hear from Carolyn again, I know in my heart that she is now pain-free, rejoicing with LeRoy and her sisters and brother and parents. She was never without a smile or words of encouragement. I will truly miss this lady of strength and character. Farewell, dear friend. You have “fought the good fight”. Now you are free! We will meet again.

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Karen Wyse posted a condolence

Friday, June 25, 2021

I have cherished my friendship with Carolyn for many years. I first met Carolyn at O.M.Roberts elementary school in Dallas ISD. She was using a computer based Reading intervention program in a computer lab in the basement of the school. I was assigned to Roberts from the district’s Reading Department and would assist her in any way I could. Her love of teaching was evident upon entering her room. Her expectations were high but her support and compassion were her priority for these students. Carolyn was a soft spoken, caring, and strong woman. I admired her strength and her positive attitude during her long health battle. Her favorite expression was, “It is what it is”. I would visit her often, as she was in a neighborhood close to mine, and I would ask her what she needed before I went to visit. Most often it would be chicken and dumplings from her favorite restaurant or sometimes some canned vegetables with a name brand unfamiliar to me. The last time I was able to visit with Carolyn was the Christmas Party at her last home in 2019. She looked amazing and was in good spirits as always. We would text often after that due to COVID. She will truly be missed by me and so many others, but memories and fun times will always remain in our hearts. During my visits with Carolyn she gave me great advice and she would turn my somewhat negative attitude about a situation to a more positive one. Carolyn, I loved the times we spent together. See you again one day my friend.

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Margaret Keel posted a condolence

Thursday, June 10, 2021

From Margaret Keel To my dearly beloved sister, Carolyn Pitts Summers. I loved you with all my heart and so did my son, Walt. You and I were reared in Jonesboro, Arkansas and shared the same bedroom for eighteen years. I'll do my best (because I know you would want me to do my best) to try and accept the fact that you are now in a better place, one free of pain, one free of worry and in God's care. The last extended time Walt and I were in Dallas, you taught Walt how to make several of your favorite dishes including the cucumbers, fruit salad, tuna salad and especially the Texas Fudge Sheet Cake. We cooked and laughed and had such good times. You, my dear, have left Walt and me with wonderful memories. Carolyn, I shall remember all the years we prepared for your "school opening" (making bulletin boards etc.) You were a wonderful teacher sharing your love and interest in each and every student. Through the computer, you taught them reading, writing and math skills. Your students were provided with a great beginning base for developing their skills. You WERE THE BEST! Your O.M Roberts School was demolished to the ground and a new O.M Roberts School was erected. One day, Walt and I took you to see the new school. Many of the teachers who had worked with you were still there. It was a fun day! You and I talked over the phone several times a day these past few months. You always ended the conversation with "I love you loads." I also, would express my love for you and what a wonderful sister you had been. I remember in one of our last talks we shared, we said to each other, "remember the good times." So, My Caro, I have a huge hole in my heart in your passing, but I look forward to seeing you on the other side. All My Love, Maurie

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Robert Maddox posted a condolence

Thursday, June 3, 2021

Linda and I have cherished a friendship with Carolyn and Leroy for nearly sixty years. Leroy was a valued mentor to a very green minister fresh out of seminary. Carolyn reinforced us with her unfailing honesty and unconditional love. I greatly admired her genuine, no nonsense faith. She encouraged us and kept us laughing. We feel a keen loss in her passing. We reach out to LeCarole and her family. Bob Maddox

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The family of Carolyn Summers uploaded a photo

Tuesday, June 1, 2021

Carolyn Summers

1933 - 2021

Memorial Service