08/11/2025
Sumner- Wilma “Lorene” Sumner, age 78, of Starke, Florida, passed away on August 11, 2025, at Haven Hospice E.T. York Care Center in Gainesville, Florida surrounded by family. Lorene was born on November 19, 1946, in Starke, Florida, to the late Willis Clifton Broughton, Sr. and Nina Corene Broughton. Lorene was a lifelong resident of Bradford County. While attending Bradford High School, Lorene married her best friend and forever companion, Clyde W. Sumner, Sr., on May 19, 1962. They were blessed with 51 amazing years of marriage, 3 beautiful children, 7 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. Family was Lorene’s greatest joy. She took pride in being a wife, mother, and grandmother and loved tending to their needs. From an early age, Lorene had a deep desire to help others and be a light to those she surrounded. Beyond her role as a homemaker, Lorene was able to advocate for others and impact many through her careers. She worked at Lake Butler Sewing Factory and managed local convenience stores for years, but her true calling was serving as a Certified Nursing Assistant and owning her own company with her daughter Tina, New Perceptions. Her company was dedicated to creating opportunities and providing support for people with disabilities. Through her work, she touched countless lives, giving hope, dignity, and purpose to those often overlooked. When not working, Lorene loved playing computer games and being active at her church, Smyrna Baptist Church, where she was a longtime dedicated member. She was truly a woman of faith and a devoted believer in Jesus Christ her Lord and Savior. Lorene was known for making the best cup of coffee, a talent even her grandchildren enjoyed. She also had a love for butterflies, finding in them a symbol of beauty and sweet transformation. Her collection of butterfly treasures extended throughout her home; delicate figurines, artwork, bedspreads, etc. It surely brought happiness and beauty to each day. More than anything, Lorene loved spending precious time with her family. She was such a treasure and will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Lorene was preceded in death by her parents; and loving husband Clyde Sumner, Sr.; and sister, Ruby Joyce Sutton.
Lorene is survived by her children, Tina (John) Hutchins of Starke, FL, Brenda (Malin) Sumner Dick of Raiford, FL, and Clyde W. Sumner, Jr. of Jacksonville, FL; brother, Willis “ Buddy” Broughton, Jr. of Lake Butler, FL; sister, Louann Simpson of Keystone Heights, FL; 7 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren; along with many family members and friends.
A Celebration of Lorene’s Life will be held on Thursday, August 14, 2025, at 11:00 am at Smyrna Baptist Church with Pastor Thomas William Smith, Pastor Paul Cannon, and Pastor Charles Starling to officiate. Interment will follow at Santa Fe Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, from 5:00-7:00 at Archie Tanner Memorial Chapel Arrangements are under the care and direction of V. Todd Ferreira Funeral Services and Archie Tanner Memorial Chapel, Starke, Fl. 904-964-5757.