Jean Almetta Summerville Byrum

Jean Almetta Byrum, age 86, of Charlotte, NC, went to be with her beloved Savior on Thursday, October 15, 2015. Before she peacefully passed away in her sleep at her childhood home, she told her son she was “going home today”.

Jean was born on June 14th, 1929 to Paul Glenn Summerville, Sr. and Zylpha Almetta Dellinger Summerville. She had two brothers, Glenn and Tom. After attending Derita School and graduating from Central High School in 1947, she attended both Flora Macdonald College in Red Springs and Queens College in Charlotte. Jean married William Kerr (Bill) Byrum, Jr. of Steele Creek at Sugaw Creek Presbyterian Church on March 18, 1949. They moved to Pulaski, Virginia in 1950, where their first two sons were born, before they returned to Charlotte in 1953, had two more children and raised their family.

Bill and Jean founded Byrum’s Florist in 1963 in Charlotte. At various times, all four of their children worked alongside their parents to establish the family business, which today is operated by their sons and granddaughters. After returning to Charlotte they were active at Sugaw Creek Presbyterian Church. Following, the couple ministered at Harvest Church for over 35 years where they participated in leading Bible classes, retreats, small groups, senior and nursing home ministries and outreaches to the poor. They were instrumental in starting a coffee house ministry which brought many well known Christian music artists to Charlotte. Jean’s sharp sense of humor and passionate love of life (and love for playing games) will remain a cheerful memory to her family. More importantly, her tremendous love for Jesus and people will endure in their hearts and minds.

Jean is survived by her brother, Glenn (wife Bert) Summerville, of Mooresville, NC; and sister-in-law, Carolyn Summerville, of Mooresville, NC. She is also survived by her four children: Ron (wife Tonda) Byrum, of Charlotte, NC; Gary (wife Karen) Byrum, of Granbury, TX; Deborah (husband Bill) Bledsoe of Mt. Juliet, TN; and Greg (wife Vicki) Byrum, of Charlotte, NC. She has 15 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren (& growing), and an abundance of extended relatives and close friends. She was preceded in death by her wonderful husband of 50 years; and her brother, Tom Summerville, of Mooresville, NC.

Funeral Services to be held 11am Saturday, October 24 at Harvest Church with burial at Forest Lawn West Cemetery. Visitation will be held 7-8pm Friday, Oct 23, at McEwen Derita and 10am Saturday Oct 24 at the church.