Clinton Sanders Summers

Elder Clinton Sanders Summers was born April 22, 1932 to Reverend McDonald Summers and Eloise Briggman Summers. Clinton was saved at 9 years old and continued to grow in Christ. He met the love of his life Myrtistine Marshall in October 1951 and they married in June 1952. They had eight children and raised them all in church. He deeply loved the Lord, his family, and community. Elder Summers loved traveling, driving and taking his family to church, tourist sites, museums, cookouts and holiday celebrations. He enjoyed watching westerns with his family. He loved having family Bible study at home, teaching his children the Word of God, promoting being active in church and community. He loved, led, and lived by example. He was an avid reader and seeker of knowledge and encouraged his children to excel in school and college. In 1980, he received a Bachelor of Biblical Studies from Nazarene Bible College.

The Church of God in Christ (COGIC) officially ordained Elder Summers at Wynnton Road COGIC on March 16, 1969 in Columbus, GA. After moving to Colorado in 1972, he and his family attended Morgan Memorial Chapel COGIC and later joined Israelite COGIC. God called him to pastor New Testament COGIC for about 8 years where souls were saved, healed and delivered. Preacher, singer, and musician, he loved the songs Jesus Said It and I’ve Got a Feeling Everything’s Gonna Be Alright. He played piano and guitar, and all his eight children sing and learned instruments.

A dedicated soldier, Sergeant First Class Summers served in the U.S. Army for 25 years as Infantryman, Clinical Specialist, Licensed Practical Nurse, Neuro-Psychiatric Specialist, and Nurse Aid. He served in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars. He was injured in war and still has shrapnel in his shoulder, back, and leg. He received the Vietnam Medal with five Bronze Service Stars, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, and Purple Heart. He retired as Sergeant First Class on June 1, 1975. He continued to serve his community in the medical arena at St. Francis Hospital for nearly 20 years, followed by working security for the Colorado Springs Courthouse. His love and service always started at home as demonstrated when he was the primary caregiver for his wife when she became ill.

He will be forever remembered for his honorable military service to the defense of this nation and as a holy man of God who left a legacy of love, hard work, dedication, and a life well-lived.

Elder Clinton Summers is predeceased by his wife Missionary Myrtistine Summers May 25, 2004; daughter Deanna Gardner-Cole January 9, 2014; brother Raymond Summers December 18, 2004; brother David Summers January 13, 1991; sister Beulah Mack September 27, 2011; and grandson Zechariah Gardner December 2, 2011. Clinton leaves to celebrate his life his sisters: Betty Summers, Shirley Washington, Vivian Washington, and Odessa Lee; 7 children: Sylvia Summers, Jacqueline (Charles) Seabrook, Clementine Amey, Venetia (Michael) Brown, Geraldine (Antonio) Hughes, Reginald (Kimberly) Summers, and Stephanie Summers; 14 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren.

Arrangements under the direction of Memorial Gardens Cemetery & Funeral Home, Colorado Springs, Colorado.