Mrs. Annie Ruth Odom Summers, 69, peacefully transitioned from this earthly life on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at MUSC Bamberg-Barnwell Medical Center. She leaves behind a beautiful legacy of faith, family, love, laughter, and precious memories that will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.  Annie was born on November 10, 1956. Her life began through Hattie Mae Hudson and Thomas Sanders, and her life story continued as the beloved daughter of Leroy (Nettie Mae Dowling) Odom, within a family whose love and bonds became an everlasting part of the woman she was.

Blessed through every branch of her family, Annie Ruth was surrounded by a rich heritage of love and kinship. From these roots grew a woman of faith, strength, devotion, and love—a woman who would build a beautiful legacy of her own.  Annie received her education in the public schools and proudly graduated from Denmark-Olar High School with the Class of 1975. With a desire to continue her education and prepare for the life ahead of her, she furthered her studies at Denmark Technical College. The foundation laid during those early years would follow Annie throughout her life.  On April 8, 1977, Annie Ruth was united in Holy Matrimony to the love of her life, J.C. Summers, Jr. For 49 years, they shared a life of love, faith, commitment, family, and countless treasured memories. Their union was blessed with four beautiful daughters. Together, Annie Ruth and J.C. built a family that continued to grow through their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.  Prior to her marriage, she was a faithful member of St. Phillip C.O.G.I.C., Govan, S.C. Following her marriage, she joined the Mt. Joy Holiness Church, where she faithfully served in numerous capacities. Throughout the years, Annie Ruth served as a Sunday School Teacher, Usher, Youth & Adult Choir Member, member of the Missionary Department, and member of the Food Committee. Whether teaching, singing, serving, preparing food, or simply offering an encouraging word, Annie willingly used her gifts wherever there was a need. Anyone who worshipped with Annie Ruth knew the sound of her praise. Her unmistakable pronunciation of every syllable—"Ha-Lay-Lu-Yah!", followed by a heartfelt "Thank You, Jesus!" will forever be heard echoing throughout Mt. Joy. Her praise was not merely something she spoke; it came from a life that had given her many reasons to testify. Annie Ruth triumphed through various health challenges and accidents throughout her life. Rather than allowing those experiences to silence her, she turned them into testimonies of God's goodness and faithfulness. Though many, there was one testimony that would become especially memorable. Following one of those difficult seasons, a doctor told her, "You're a very proud woman, but you'll never be able to wear a heel again." Annie had another testimony. Standing proudly in those heels, she could declare: "But look at me now!" Then, she would give God praise by shouting in those heels! What could have become a story about what she could no longer do became another opportunity to tell somebody about what God had done. Annie Ruth NEVER met a stranger.

She possessed a special gift for making people feel welcomed, loved, and remembered. It seemed that everybody had a special name, a special hug, or one of Annie's funny yet heartfelt phrases waiting just for them. Her personality could fill a room, and wherever family gathered, laughter was sure to follow. Annie loved to joke and pick with everybody so much that her late mother in love, Eldress Bertha Summers, finally declared that we needed to buy her a doll baby so she would have somebody else to pick with!

Her humor was part of the way she connected with others. And if you knew Annie Ruth, there were a few things you simply knew:

She kept a clean house.

She was an organizer—everything had its place.

She loved to dress up and always stayed sharp.

She was a great cook.

And when it came to packing and making things fit, Annie could fit a

horse in a matchbox!

Whether arranging, organizing, packing, or making the most of every inch of space, it was simply another one of those uniquely Annie things that made the family shake their heads, smile, and wonder, "How in the world did she get that in there?"Although there were many dishes that came from Annie's kitchen, her potato salad and fried chicken became family favorites for which she was especially known.

Trying to define her by one occupation would never adequately tell her story because, simply put, Annie could find a job! From serving as a substitute teacher, to working as a cashier, in manufacturing, home health care, and various other positions in between, Annie was never afraid of honest work. Whatever the job, she showed up and did what needed to be done.

There truly was only one Annie. As Annie Ruth completed her earthly journey, she was preceded in death by her parents, and her cherished father and mother-in-law, Bishop J.C. Summers and Elderess Bertha Summers. She was also preceded in death by her siblings, Jeroy Wroten, Laura Johnson, Lennell (Eva) Odom, Willard Hudson,Jr., Harry Odom, Samuel (Annie Mae) Odom, David (Mary) Odom, Angus (Helen) Odom, Louise (John) Pendergrass, Dorothy Odom, Betty (J.V.) Mingo, Leroy Odom, Sr., and her beloved grandchild, Virnell Hosey, Jr.

Left to cherish a lifetime of precious memories is her loving and devoted husband of 49 years, J.C. Summers, Jr. in Blackville, SC. Her love and legacy continue through their four daughters, Felicia (Tyron) Kinard of Blackville,SC; Sangettia (Jerod) Minton, of Rock Hill,SC; Trohnisa (Kevin) Jones of Columbia,SC; and Valdrena Porcher of the home (Blackville, SC). She also held a special place in her heart for her godchildren, Willie Lee Daniels III, Akeem Jenkins and Savannah Alexander.

One of Annie's greatest blessings was watching her family continue to grow. Her legacy lives through her grandchildren, Tyron, Jr., Ojuanica, Z'Ontre, Omarion, Kevin II., Tahlia, Morgan, Trevor, Iyonna, Jayden, and Lilly; and her two precious great-grandchildren, Tianna and Tahari Kinard. She also leaves to cherish her memory her brothers, Walter Odom, and Earnest (Earnestine) Odom; James Hudson; and her sisters, Susie Hudson, Kay Kinsley, Hattie "Patsy" Brooks, and Essie (Leroy) Lanier.

Also cherishing her memory are her brothers-in-love: James Summers, George Summers, Paul Johnson, Sr., and Jerry Smalls; and sisters-in-love: Willa Mae Odom, Juliette (Arts) Alexander, Dell (Bishop Willie) Priester, Wanda (Ken) Thompson, Edith Adams, Wanda Joyner, and Evelyn Hicks. Holding an especially treasured place in her life are her cousins, Mary Ann Gilmore and Elaine Raysor. Though cousins by relation, the love, laughter, memories, and bond they shared made them sisters at heart. She also leaves a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, church family, friends, and countless others whose lives were touched by her presence. There are some people whose lives cannot be adequately summarized by dates, titles, occupations, or even words. Annie Ruth was one of those people.

Her earthly journey began on November 10, 1956, and concluded on August 22, 2026, but what happened between those two dates created a legacy that will continue speaking for generations.