Betty Warren Sumner

Mrs. Betty Warren Sumner, age 86, passed away from her earthly home on Thursday, April 27, 2023. She was preceded in death by her devoted husband of 53 years, Robert B. Sumner, her mother and father, James and Edna Warren, and her brother Bill Warren. She is survived by her daughters and their families: Lucinda Johnson and husband, Perry, of Roswell, Georgia and Robyn Cuneo and husband, Mike, of Blackshear, Georgia - along with five grandchildren:  Andrew, Ansley, and Abigail Cuneo of Blackshear, Trey Johnson and wife, Kira, of Cumming, and Allison Gamblin and husband, Josh, of Arcadia, Florida.  She was also blessed with six beautiful great-grandchildren. Other survivors include her brothers Bobby Warren, wife Peggy, and Donnie Warren, wife Jawona, and a number of very special nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. 

A life that began as Betty Warren in Samson, Alabama - Geneva County - on October 2, 1936. The only daughter of James and Edna Warren, she was a 1954 graduate of Samson High School. Following her high school graduation, she enrolled at Troy State University where she earned her bachelor’s degree in business education. She furthered her education by taking classes at Waycross Jr. College and Valdosta State College.

Her most visible role was teaching Business Education at ACHS – a position that she held for 32 years. She taught courses in typing, accounting, and shorthand. She sponsored the Future Business Leaders of America for 28 years, making it one of the top clubs on campus. She was one of the top Literary Coaches in the Region with 18 First Place Region Wins and 7 State Finalists in Girls and Boys Typing! Awards as Star Teacher and Teacher of the Year proved what an outstanding educator she was. She brought Work-Based Learning to Atkinson County High by being the first Cooperative Business Education Coordinator.  

She was a member of Georgia Educators Association, National Educators Association, Georgia Business Educators Association, Coffee-Atkinson Retired Teachers Association, and Delta Kappa Gamma. 

She was an active member of Pearson Church where she served as Sunday School teacher, President of the Women’s Group, MYF Leader, Administrative Council Chairperson and Worthy Matron of Eastern Star. 

She was an avid flower gardener and people drove many miles just to see her beautiful yard. Her many holiday decorations were anticipated yearly. 

Funeral services for Mrs. Betty were held, Saturday, April 29, 2023, at 3:00 p.m. at Pearson Church with Rev. Gary Griffin, Mr. Phil Liles, Mrs. Laverne Carver, and Rev. Harrell Hemingway officiating. Musical selections included “Because He Lives" by David and Karen Warren, accompanied by Karen Warren at the piano, “One Day at A Time” by Alicia Amerson and Dee Register, with Mr. Phil Liles at the piano, and “Scars in Heaven” rendered by c.d.  Soft music for the Prelude and Postlude was provided by Mr. Phil Liles, pianist.  The interment followed at Union Hill Church Cemetery in Pearson, Ga.

Serving as active pallbearers were: Trey Johnson, Andrew Cuneo, Mitchell Warren, David Warren, Wayne Warren, and Derek Warren. 

Honorary pallbearers were retired teachers of Atkinson and Coffee County. 

Relihan Funeral Home in Pearson, Ga. was in charge of the arrangements.