Obituaries

Gwendolyn C. Sumpter, 104 years old of Normantown, West Virginia, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, January 25, 2023. Gwen passed away at her daughter’s (Joan Fluharty) home where she had been cared for over the past four years. She died in her sleep from natural causes – her body had just worn out.

Gwen was born in Arnoldsburg, West Virginia, on August 6, 1918. She was the daughter of Leeman Alltop and Allie (Beall) Alltop. She married Oren Sumpter (d. 1998) on September 23, 1939 and they had 5 children: Sharon (Kenny d.2015) Schulz of Elyria, Ohio; Judy (d.2020) (Sonny) Hashman of Elyria, Ohio; Joan (Wayne) Fluharty of Canton, Ohio; Peggy (Paul) Whyte of Jackson, Ohio; and Bryan (Cheryl) Sumpter of Monroeville, Indiana. She is preceded in death by 2 brothers, Frank Alltop and Eustace Alltop, and survived by 2 half-sisters and one half-brother, Karen (Clyde) Duley of Belpre, Ohio, Betty McDonald and Leeman Junior Alltop, both of Coolville, Ohio.

Gwen was a homemaker who worked hard to have a spotless home and a beautiful yard and garden. She was a member of the Upper Steer Run Baptist Church on Steer Run (Normantown). Gwen was devoted to her family and community and shared many stories from her life with younger generations. She loved going to the Gilmer County Senior Center in Glenville and drove there herself until she was well into her 90’s. She was of sound mind to very end.

Oren and Gwen had 9 grandchildren: Ron (Cheryl) Schulz of North Branch, Michigan; Dean (Sabrina) Schulz of Pittsboro, North Carolina; Dawn (Tim) Burns of Elyria, Ohio; Libby Hashman of Edmond, Oklahoma; Steve Fluharty (d. 1998); Scott Fluharty of Canton, Ohio; Stacy (John) Brunner of Columbus, Ohio; Bill (Theresa) Whyte of Wooster, Ohio; and Michael (Miranda) Sumpter of Hicksville, Ohio. Gwen also leaves behind 15 great grandchildren and 11 great great grandchildren.

Gwen was preceded in death by her husband, Oren Sumpter (1998), daughter Judy Hashman (2020), grandson Steve Fluharty (1998) and son-in-law Kenny Schulz (2015).

A memorial service is being planned for later this winter (once all family members are able to travel) at the Ellyson Mortuary in Glenville West Virginia. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to either the Upper Steer Run Baptist Church (456 Steer Run, Normantown, WV 25267), or to the Senior Nutrition Program at the Gilmer County Senior Center (720 N Lewis St, Glenville, WV 2635).

The family would like to offer our sincere appreciation to Katy Spade, a niece whom she loved like a daughter, and Mayme McNemer who helped Gwen to stay in her own home till she was past 100 years old.

She was Mammaw to many, beloved Aunt Gwennie to others, and she was Mother, our beautiful Mother, to us. We will miss her.

Ellyson Mortuary, Inc., is honored to assist the family of Gwendolyn C. Sumpter with local arrangements.