Michael Summerville

To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die.” Eccl 3:1-2 Michael Summerville was born into time on August 29, 1969, in Arkadelphia, Arkansas. Better known to family and friends as “Mike”, he grew up in Arkadelphia surrounded by the love of his parents, Eddie L. and Cordelia Ross Summerville. He and his twin sister Michelle were inseparable. Mike was very creative and had a lively imagination. He was a member of West Presbyterian Church and a 1988 graduate of Arkadelphia High School. He loved football and played Cornerback for the Badgers who won the State Championship in 1987. He was a friendly and outgoing young man. He made friends easily and never met a stranger. Mike was a hard working, intelligent young man; he was employed as a carpenter with Stewart Properties in Arkadelphia for 28 years. Those who knew Mike knew that he loved to party and have a good time. In his free time, he loved to fish and hunt. Family as well as friends will miss his jovial spirit and smile, but will never forget his sense of humor. He lived life to the fullest and there was never a dull moment when he was around. One of the greatest accomplishments in his life was the lasting relationship that blossomed between him and Tessie Johnson. He loved all of his children and grandchildren; they were a source of joy and pride in his life. On July 17, 2013, he was diagnosed with ALS. He fought valiantly against ALS and became a part of the ALS Association of Arkansas. It was there that lasting bonds were made with various families and friends. Even during his time of affliction, he enjoyed life and gained a greater appreciation for the simpler things the life offered. The sun set on the life of Mike on Thursday, August 6, 2015. Although he lived what some may call a short life, those who were touched by him understood that the quality of his existence far exceeded the quantity of time many of us spent with him. Those left to forever cherish his love, sense of humor and laughter are: his life-love and caregiver, Tessie Johnson; his step-son, Armony Johnson and nephew, Keyshawn Johnson; his parents,Cordelia Ross-Summerville and Eddie L. Summerville; nine children, Dominique Turner of Arkadelphia, Kiarron Summerville of Gurdon, Stacy Willard of Oakland, Dustin Jones of Portland, Michael Summerville of Hope, Antoine Summerville of Charleston, SC, Kizzy Summerville of Curtis, Mariah Summerville of Hot Springs, and Audrianna Summerville of South Korea; three grandchildren, Adavion Bragg of Arkadelphia, Genesis Bragg of Arkadelphia and Rayanna Ingram of Oakland, CA; four sisters, Pauline (Meredith) Lemons of Hot Springs, Linda Hale, Queen Given, Malasena Summerville and his twin sister, Michelle Summerville all of Arkadelphia; one brother, Eddie (Teresa) Summerville of Arkadelphia. He also leaves his aunts, uncles, several nieces, nephews, cousins; his best friend, Ernest Dickerson of Arkadelphia; his extended family including, two brothers-in-law, Darron Johnson and Kevin Johnson; his mother-in-law, Mae Johnson; several friends and the ALS Association of Arkansas family. A celebration of his life will be shared at 11 am on Tuesday, August 11, 2015 at Greater Pleasant Hill Baptist Church with Rev. David Cook, officiating/eulogist. Interment will be in Richmond Hill Cemetery. Public visitation will be from 2-6pm on Monday, August 10, 2015. Memorials may be made to the ALS Association of Arkansas in memory of Michael Summerville.