Julia F. Summer
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our precious mother, Julia Summers, of Columbia, S.C. on Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025.
Julia, surrounded by her three daughters, peacefully ascended from her earthly body into the glorious arms of our loving Father, King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
Our mother, Julia, was one of the strongest, kindest, loyal and joyful women to ever walk this earth. Our family and friends are blessed to have had her in our lives for 97 years and 12 days.
Julia (or Julie or Judy or Momma, Mom, Mother, Grandma…she didn’t care what name her family and friends called her, as long as they kept in touch) married Frederick Artelle Summers on Nov. 24, 1948 in Cairo, Ill.
Artelle (or Art or Daddy or Grandpa) earned his angel wings on Feb. 7, 2005.
Together they had three daughters, Cynthia Platt (Ron) of Columbia, S.C., Stacy Johnson of Chapin, S.C., and Stephanie Hemminghaus (Doug) of Blythewood, S.C.
Julia was deeply loved by her five grandchildren, Andrew Christensen (Jasmine) of Florissant, Missouri, Lucas Johnson of Columbia, S.C., Logan Johnson of Columbia, S.C., Harrison Hemminghaus of Arlington, Va., Mason Hemminghaus of Blythewood, S.C. and Campbell Hemminghaus of Blythewood, S.C.
Julia finally added the title of Great Grandmother, when Andrew and Jasmine welcomed the most beautiful princess, Naomi, on Nov. 2, 2023. We will never be able to fill the places in our hearts that are now left hollow.
Julia was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Artelle, her brother, Billy Harrison, her mother Mamie Bell Newbill and father, Leon Amos Harrison.
Her daughters and sons-in-law, grandchildren and great granddaughter survive to carry on her courage, tenacity, humor, strength and love.
While born in Tennessee, Julia spent most of her life in Cairo, Ill. where her children were born and raised.
Julia was an active and longtime member of Tigert Memorial Methodist Church, the Ginko Garden Club and women’s social sorority, Beta Sigma Phi.
Julia was a passionate seamstress who was a savior to many who rushed to her house for a last-minute alteration or lost button needing replaced. She created amazing and unique clothing, pillows and bedding, window treatments and so many other designs. Unfortunately, her daughters did not inherit these skills.
Julia enjoyed greatly cooking, often producing meals from memory, taste testing and experimenting.
She also loved to shop for bargains and could be found almost every weekend at department store sales, comparing prices. This passion Julia did pass along to her daughters who continue to never “pay full retail price” for anything.
Our family sends a heartfelt thank you to the staff at NHC Parklane in Columbia, S.C. for their special care given to our mother.
Funeral Services will be held on Monday, Sept. 15, 2025 at 12 p.m. with Rev. Doug Atkins officiating at Crain Funeral Home, 4815 Sycamore, Cairo, Ill. 62914.
A Visitation and Remembrance ceremony will be held from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. at the funeral home.
Interment will follow at the Mound City National Cemetery where Julia will rest with her husband Artelle.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions be made to the Mound City National Cemetery Preservation Commission, Inc, PO Box 45, Mound City, Illinois 62963.
Crain Funeral Home in Cairo is in charge of arrangements.