Saint Joyce D. Summers

Joyce Delores Summers was born December 2, 1930 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Mildred Mason Towson and Willie Sterling (both deceased). Raised by Willie and Laura (“Nani”) Sterling, she was educated in the Philadelphia public school system and graduated from John Bartram High School. It was there that she met and fell head over heels in love with Lawrence Summers. Married on February 16, 1950, their union came to an end after 74 years when the late Apostle Lawrence Summers was called to rest. They were blessed with six children: Gregory, Kyle, twins Brian and Cheryl, and twins Kim and Karen (deceased). Like a mama bear protecting her cubs, Saint Summers demonstrated a high work ethic and applied her learned skills to clinch gainful employment in order to provide and care for her family. In fact, starting in 1958 she passed the exam that launched her keypunch operator career at the Philadelphia U.S. Army Electronics Command. Within ten years she advanced as division supervisor; her achievement was celebrated at a certificate and pinning ceremony officiated by then-Colonel S.A. Bush. After the family’s move in 1970 to Durham, NC, she was hired by the City’s water department. Following their 1978 relocation to New York’s Brooklyn #1 House of Prayer, she landed a position at Cigna Insurance. When stationed in Buffalo, NY in 1995, Saint Summers made a career change to become a Certified Nursing Assistant. Thus began her journey as a home caregiver to the elderly. As for her service to the United House of Prayer, she joined in 1951. And when Elder Summers became a pastor during Sweet Daddy McCollough’s reign, Saint Summers was cautioned by the Bishop that, “there is only one pastor in the house, so keep your mouth shut!” He told her that her family would be blessed if she did as he said. Saint Summers grabbed hold of the teachings of the House of Prayer to realize an abundance of blessings throughout her lifetime. And no matter at which House of Prayer site they were assigned, her service manifested in quiet humility and grace with usher boards, nurses, queens, and even as supervisor of the maids. Saint Summers worked the Holy Convocation program since its launch in 1970. She was a member of the Sister’s Day Committee in Brooklyn, NY and Big 5 District. From 2011-2012, she ranked #29 of 136 agents in the Kingdom selling blessed products. Her final role was the Mallard Creek Cunningham products agent where her sweet clarion call intoned, “Products! Products! Does anyone need products?” Saint Summers always expressed her gratefulness for the leaders of the United House of Prayer, starting from Sweet Daddy McCollough, to Sweet Daddy Madison, Sweet Daddy Bailey, and lastly, Sweet Daddy Cunningham. It is evident that she put in the work and deserves this fare thee well. May the angels sing on high as she rests in heavenly peace.

Saint Joyce D. Summers

December 2, 1930 - June 14, 2026