Julia Ragsdale Starr Summers

It is the end of an era for our family with the death of our Aunt, Mrs. Julia Ragsdale Starr Summers of Atlanta and Lithonia who died on Saturday, October 9, 2004, in Lithonia.  Mrs. Summers, born April 25, 1910, was the last surviving child of a pioneer DeKalb County family.  She was the daughter of the late Rev. Francis Asbury Ragsdale and Mattie Ozmer Ragsdale.  She graduated from Lithonia High School in 1926 and received her degree in education from GSCW (now Georgia College) in Milledgeville in 1928.  

She taught 1st Grade at Kirkwood and Murphy Candler elementary schools.  From teaching, she entered the business world of banking.  She was the widow of  I. M. Starr Jr., who was President of the Peoples Bank of Lithonia where Julia was the Assistant Cashier.  After his death in 1960, she was with Glenwood National Bank of Decatur as Assistant Cashier.  In 1966 she married Herbert A. Summers who was a partner in Gailey?s Department Store in Conyers.  Mr. Summers died in 1991.Mrs. Summers was a former member of the Lithonia United Methodist Church where she served on the Board of Trustees.  She was also a member of the Lithonia Women?s Club. She was a current member of Druid Hills United Methodist Church where she served as President and Treasurer of the United Methodist Women.  She was a member and past President of the Quillian Sunday School and a member of The Rhododendron Club.  She has been a resident of Traditions Health and Rehabilitation Center (formally Starcrest) in Lithonia since December of 1998. In April of 2000, she was crowned Mrs. Starcrest 2000.  Mrs. Summers was predeceased by eleven brothers and sisters. She is survived by a step-son and spouse Andrew and Katrina Summers of Swannanoa, NC, step-grandchildren Andrea Summers of Brooklyn, NY, Jason Summers of Seattle, WA, Ethan Summers of Swannanoa, NC, three step-great grandchildren, sister in-law Mrs. Emma Lee Ragsdale of Lithonia, brother in-law and sister in-law Mr. & Mrs. Waldo Starr of Conyers, and many nieces and nephews.  Mrs. Summers was always proud of her nieces and nephews and was a part of the many activities in their lives and always shared in their individual accomplishments. The family wishes to express its gratitude and appreciation to the many caregivers, staff and volunteers of the Traditions Health and Rehabilitation Center. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, October 12, 2004 at 11:00 AM at A.S. Turner & Sons Funeral Home in Decatur.  Rev. Norton Campbell and Dr. Jim Martin will officiate. Interment will follow at the Lithonia City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Rhododendron Club, 1972 Aspen Drive, Decatur, GA 30033 or United Methodist Children?s Home, 500 S. Columbia Drive, Decatur, GA 30030. The Pallbearers will be nephews of Mrs. Summers.  The family will receive friends Monday, October 11, 2004, 2 until 4 PM and 7 until 9 PM at A. S. Turner & Sons.