Jesse W. Sumner, 86, died Monday, December 22, 2008.
A native of Northampton County, Sumner was a graduate of Conway High School and NC State College. He served as a naval officer in World War II.
He worked as an extension agent and 4-H Club leader in Martin County. He served as superintendent of the Coastal Plain Research Station, the Horticultural Crops Research Station and the Upper Coastal Plain Research Station in Rocky Mount from where he retired in 1984.
He was a member of the Rocky Mount Lions Club and the Wallace Masonic Lodge.
He was an active member of Englewood United Methodist Church of Rocky Mount.
Survivors include his wife, Helen Jones Sumner of the home; daughter Rose Sumner Ayers of Owensboro, KY; a son, Wayne L. Sumner of Boone; a sister, Doris Askew of Ahoskie; and five grandchildren.
Funeral services were held on Dec. 26 at Englewood United Methodist Church. Burial followed in Rocky Mount Memorial Park.
Memorials can be made to Englewood United Methodist Church, PO Box 7128, Rocky Mount, NC 27804.
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.johnsonfuneralsandcremations.com.