Abraham Benedict Summerville

Abraham Benedict Summerville was born July 31st 1952 to Sam Henry & Sarah Masa (Johnson) Summerville in Monrovia, Liberia.

Abraham was one of sixteen children; nine boys and seven girls. He was educated at a high school in Monrovia and excelled in academics. His education continued at Oakwood College in Huntsville, AL and Big Bend Community College in Moses Lake, WA where he majored in ASEP Communications & Counseling.

Abraham was a retired postal worker and a Sergeant in the United States Army where he was decorated for his service in the Gulf War. He received numerous medals, including the Army Lapel Button, Army Commendation Medal, 2 Army Achievement Medal, 3 Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal with 3 bronze service stars (BSS), 2 Noncommissioned Officer's professional development ribbon, Army service ribbon, 2 Overseas service ribbon, Kuwait Liberation Medal (SA), Kuwait Liberation Medal (KU), and a host of other awards.

Abraham never forgot his roots. He loved to share his African heritage to include stories, music, food, and clothing. He always made sure that his family overseas, as well as other families, received care packages including clothing, food, vehicles, money, and whatever else was needed. Abraham was a firm believer in education and instilled the importance and value of it in his children. He also loved to travel with his family and was an avid member of the Harley Davidson Motorcycle Riding Club.

Abraham married Teresa A. Byrd on May 11, 2001 and from this union they were blessed with one daughter; Aberesa Retha Summerville. He was also an Ordained Deacon who served faithfully at Bible Church of God Seventh Day Adventist where he served as Testimony Conductor.

Abraham was preceded in death by his parents Sam Henry and Sarah Masa (Johnson) Summerville from Monrovia, Liberia and his brothers: Jerry Summerville (deceased), Jakes Summerville (deceased), Amos Summerville (deceased) and his sisters: Jennifer Summerville (deceased), Xwini-wodoeh Summerville (deceased). Abraham is survived by his wife Teresa Byrd-Summerville and children: Alvin Summerville, Princess Summerville, Justina Summerville, Felicia Summerville, Lacey McMillan (Michael), Aberesa Summerville and his grand-children. Also surviving are brothers: Gargar Summerville , Gaye Summerville, DeBrown Summerville, David Summerville, Arthur Summerville and sisters: Betty Elizabeth Summerville-Dousuah,
Victoria Summerville-Mellish (Daniel), Aisa Summerville, and Comfort Summerville. Abraham is survived by scores of nephews, nieces, aunts, uncles, and friends that will ensure his legacy lives on.

Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 25, 2014 at Faith Temple Church of God in Christ, 1162 SW Lincoln St., Topeka 66604. Burial will follow in Mount Hope Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5:00-8:00 p.m. Friday at Penwell-Gabel Southeast Chapel.