Cleatus Benson Sumerford

Smithville – Cleatus Benson Sumerford, 99, died on Monday, September 29, 2014, at his residence. Born on January 26, 1915, in Itawamba County, he was a son of the late Union and May Prestridge Sumerford.

Mr. Sumerford attended Splunge School. On November 21, 1941, he married Lillian Cowart. Raising dairy replacement cows, Mr. Sumerford was a cattleman and farmer. A member of Liberty Grove Baptist Church, he loved his family, Southern Gospel music and farming.

Survivors include his son, Kenneth Wayne Sumerford (Marilyn), Smithville; sister, Emogene Burch, Palestine, TX; grandchildren, Ben Sumerford (Hannah), Tupelo, Will Sumerford, Amory and Bethany Sumerford, Jackson; several nieces & nephews; caregivers, Shirley Camp, Vickie Duncan, Brenda Miles, and Carolyn Hall.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Lillian Sumerford, in 2007, his daughter, Mary Ann Sumerford, in 1950, and a sister and brother-in-law, Olema and Mack Johnson.

A Funeral Service will be held at 11 AM, Thursday, October 2 at E. E. Pickle Funeral Home, Amory with Bro. Bobby Fowler and Bro. Van Dale Hudson officiating. Burial will follow in Liberty Grove Cemetery. Pallbearers will be family and friends.

Visitation will be from 5 – 8 PM, Wednesday at the funeral home.

Memorials may be given to Liberty Grove Baptist Church, c/o Bobby Fowler, 379 Guthrie Cut Rd., Tremont, MS 38876.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at eepicklefuneralhome.com.