Roy P. Peters Jr.

Following is the obituary for Roy Peters, Jr. This is from the website of the Brown-Dawson Funeral Home. You may leave messages on the Brown-Dawson website at:
http://www.browndawson.com/main/index.php?action=viewobit&oid=1466

Roy P. Peters Jr., age 76 of Seven Mile passed away at Ft. Hamilton Hospital on Thursday, September 9, 2010 at 6:48 AM. He was born in Lily, Kentucky on March 6, 1934 the son of Roy P. Sr. and Edna (Scalf) Peters. Roy was employed in security at AK Steel for 30 years, retiring in 1995; he was also police chief of Seven Mile for 24 years, retiring in 1999. He was a member of Lily Baptist Church and Knights of Pythias, and was a Kentucky Colonel. On November 25, 1953 in Laurel County, Kentucky he married Lois Sasser.

He is survived by his wife, Lois Peters of Seven Mile; three children, Vivian (Michael) Gorsuch of Seven Mile, Melinda (Randy) McIntosh of West Chester, and Roy P. (Susan) Peters III of Lone Star, Texas; four brothers, Claude (Hazel) Peters of Cincinnati, James (Jackie) Peters of Corbin, Kentucky, John (Sandy) Peters of Knoxville, Tennessee, and Charles (Anita) Peters of Monticello, Kentucky; three sisters, Fay Reed of Clarksville, Tennessee, Catherine Goodin, and Elizabeth (Ronnie) Pennington, both of London, Kentucky; five grandchildren, Missi (Daaron) Wilson, Jodi (Mike) King, Whitney Peters, Tami (Heath) Coleman, and Julee (Jude) Adkins; 12 great-grandchildren; and a great-great-granddaughter. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Theresa Miller.

Memorial service will be held at the Brown-Dawson Funeral Home, 1350 Millville Avenue, on Sunday, September 19, 2010 at 3:00 PM. A memorial gathering will be held at the funeral home on Sunday, September 19 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Heart Association or to the American Diabetes Association.

Roy Peters, Jr.

We are all greatly saddened by the passing of Roy Peters, Jr. this morning. You may have already gotten this news from Charles Peters if you're on his distribution list. For those of you who are not on Charles Peters' email distribution list, here are the details from Charles:

From Charles Peters:


Information that I have concerning the Funeral arrangements for Roy Jr.

Brown Dawson Funeral Home
1350 Millville Ave
Hamilton OH
513-895-5412

Sunday Sept 19 (not this weekend, but next)
12:30 p.m. for family
1:00 p.m. to 3 :00 p. m. for visitation
3:00 p.m. to ------- a short service

The Obit has not been posted to Brown Dawson's web at this point.
You might want to check the web site later or call the Funeral Home for more info. It will be in the Hamilton Journal on Sunday.

In lieu of flowers it is suggested that you give to the American Heart Association or a Diabetes charity organization. The funeral home said that they would just discard the flowers or family members would take them home.

Roy Jr had made his own arrangements and wishes for Cremation.

If you plan to attend the funeral and would like to say a few words, write a Eulogy, or post a comment on a comment board at the funeral home, the family will appreciate it. If you can't attend and would like to send a note to the funeral home, that would be good also. The family will appreciate your memories of Roy Jr.

I will be away from email for the next several days.
Please keep the family in your prayers

Charles

Lee Roy Miller

Lee Roy Miller is in the hospital with pneumonia. The following message was received from Elizabeth Pennington.

Your prayers, cards and phone calls will be appreciated and helpful.

Hey and good afternoon,

I just got a chat message from Cheryl, LeeRoy's daughter, she says LeeRoy is in the Deaconess
hospital in Evansville with pneumonia. He has had a rough 4 or 5 day but is sounding some better they are waiting on the Dr. to give them an update.

She gave me this phone # in case anyone would want to call him: 812-450-5123

I though I had Mark's email but don't so if you will pass this on, if he has time to put it on
the family web then maybe LeeRoy will receive prayer.

I go in the morning to have consultation with the Dr. about exercise and to turn my blood pressure readings in. They had me to do a chart for the week reading the pressure twice a day.

Info on Lowell Peters from his daughter, Debbie

Passing on some information I received in an email from Debbie Huffine, the youngest daughter of Lowell Peters. Lowell passed away on February 9, 2010. I think Charles Peters sent out an email at the time of Lowell's death with a link to his obituary. In case you didn't get to view his obituary, here is the link from Debbie:

http://timessentinel.com/obituaries/x626761581/Lowell-A-Peters-of-Carmel

Lowell was the son of George Burton Peters, and the grandson of W.C. Peters. He had a history of diabetes, high blood pressure and stroke. His death was the result of Vascular Dimentia. Debbie has put some information about Vascular Dimentia on the website "Prezi.com" The link to her prezi is http://prezi.com/bx1idmupj1_p/edit/#4

It's a good idea to share our family health history as it can be helpful in diagnosing health problems with other family members. So our thanks go out to Debbie for sharing the information on her dad.

Mark

Aunt Charlotte Peters

Aunt Charlotte Peters, wife of Uncle William Peters passed away on Thursday evening at 9:05 p.m. The following is from the Burns Funeral Home in Hobart, Indiana where her services will be held:

Charlotte M. Peters

May 25, 1924 - October 22, 2009

Birth Place: Lily, KY Resided In: Fremont, IN Visitation: October 26, 2009 Services: October 27, 2009 Cemetery: Graceland Cemetery

Charlotte M. Peters, age 85, of Fremont, OH, formerly of Hobart, passed away on October 22, 2009. She was a devout member of the First Baptist Church of Hobart since 1947, where she taught Sunday School and was involved with the Pioneer Girls. She was also a Cub Scout Den Mother and A Brownie and Girl Scout Leader. Charlotte was preceded in death by 3 sisters. She is survived by her loving husband – William B. Peters and Fremont, OH; son – Dr. Ralph (Lori) Peters of Fremont, OH; daughter – Charlene (Michael) Baron of Bedford, TX; 6 grandchildren, 4 great granddaughters and 2 great grandsons; numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, October 27, 2009, 1:00 P.M. at Burns Funeral Home, 701 E. 7^th Street, Hobart. Rev. G. C. Martin officiating. Interment Graceland Cemetery, Valparaiso. Friends are invited to meet with the family on Monday from 4 – 8 p.m. at the funeral home. www.burnsfuneral.com.

For more information, here's the link to the funeral home:
http://www.burnsfuneral.com/

Mark

James Peters and Mary Lou Parsons

James Peters is home from the hospital sporting a brand-new pacemaker. It sounds like everything went well, and James is grateful to all of you for remembering him in your prayers. Now it would be a good idea to give thanks to God for answering our prayers.

Also, this is from Mary Lou Parsons:

I am beginning to search for the answer to my weakness and shortness of breath. Will be undergoing lung scan and dopplers in the next 10 days, specifically the 10th of Sept. Pray that they find an answer. This grams needs energy to keep up with my !"even dozen" great grands from age 9 to 4 months. /Thanks, ML

Roy Peters, Jr. and James Peters

Roy Peters, Jr. is home from the hospital and back on home cooking. Thanks for all your prayers.

Also, he's now on Facebook! Lots of family members are on Facebook. If you're not on it, you should give it a try. It's a good way to keep in touch with family.

James Peters is going to the Corbin hospital tomorrow (outpatient) to have his pacemaker replaced. Please keep him in your prayers.

Mark

Roy Peters, Jr. in the Hospital

Spoke with Randy McIntosh about 8:30 this evening. Uncle Roy had eaten two trays of food (one tray being Jello, and one something a little more substantial), and was doing well.

I spoke with Randy McIntosh approximately 5:30 this afternoon. Uncle Roy had just come out of surgery. They found two blockages in the same artery. One at 90%, and the other at 65%. They installed two stints and he's now in recovery.


This update from Missi approximately 11:00 this morning:
Missi Le Force Wilson ok. So they are going to do a heart catheter this morning on Grandpa. They will know more when they get in there, maybe angioplasty or a stint. They will do it within the hour. I'll update soon....

Roy Peters, Jr. was taken to the hospital yesterday suffering from chest pains. Here's an update from Missi:

Missi Le Force Wilson
Grandpa did have a heart attack. His cardiologist is coming in the morning. Then he will decide what to do from there. Possibly a heart catheterization,to see if they need to do an open heart. Not sure yet. Thanks for all the prayers! Grandpa loves hearing from the family!

Here's Missi's message from Saturday night:

Missi Le Force Wilson
is home from the hospital for now, we had to take my Grandpa to the Atrium hospital today for chest pains. They admitted him. Just got Nanna home and settled in, Grandpa wouldn't let her stay. The morphine is working, he's smiling at least!... Gotta be back at 7 am.I'll have my cell with me, so you can send messages to him on here, he'll get them!!

Ashley Taylor Wins the Congress-Bundestag Scholarship

Ashley Taylor, daughter of Cindy Miller, grandaughter of Lee Roy Miller, and great-grandaughter of the late Theresa (Peters) Miller has been awarded the Congress-Bundestag scholarship. Congratulations Ashley. Your family is proud of you!

The following information is from the program website:

The Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange program is jointly funded by the German Bundestagand and the U.S. Congress, through the U.S. Department of State.

Applications were evaluated based on:
* Evidence of the personal qualities essential for adjustment to another culture, such as flexibility, curiosity, open-mindedness, sense of humor and tolerance for failure

* Written and oral communication skills

* Motivation for a cross-cultural experience

* Academic merit

Recipients of the Congress-Bundestag Scholarship will participate in a full-year program which includes the following:
* International airfare to and from Germany (departing from Washington D.C.)
* Pre-Departure orientation in the US May/June.
* Month-long language camp in Germany
* Mid-Year meeting in Cologne, Germany
* Host family stay in Germany
* Meals and lodging for duration of program
* All required program travel while in Germany
* Schooling/classes while in Germany
* Medical Insurance
* End of Year/Re-Entry Meeting in Berlin
* End of the Year/Re-entry Meeting in Washington, DC

Armon Edsel Peters

(Uncle) Edsel Peters passed away on April 6, 2009. The following is his obituary from the Gilbert-Fellers Funeral Home...

Name: Armon Edsel Peters

Date of Death: 4/6/2009

PETERS, Armon Edsel Age 82, of Brookville, passed away unexpectedly on Mon. April 6, 2009. He was preceded in death by his parents, William C. & Grace B. (Davis) Peters.

He was a US Army veteran of both WWII & Korea, and he retired from GTE in 1991. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Mae; children & their spouses, Susan (Bill) Marvin, Baton Rouge, LA, Deborah Jones, Springboro, Bradley (Joy) Peters & Douglas (Rita) Peters, all of Brookville; grandchildren, Jennifer Glass, Michelle Jones, Michael Marvin & Zachary Peters; brother, William B. (Charlotte) Peters, Fremont, OH; sister, Willa (Odell) Benge, London, KY and numerous nieces & nephews.

Funeral services will be held 1:00 PM Fri. April 10 at the GILBERT-FELLERS FUNERAL HOME, 950 ALBERT RD., BROOKVILLE. Interment in Royal Oak Memorial Gardens, Brookville. Visitation 6-8 PM Thursday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to the American Cancer Society, envelopes will be provided. If desired, e-mail condolences may be sent by going online to www.gilbert-fellers.com

Aunt Ruby Proffit

(The following is from the Brown Dawson Funeral Home...)
Ruby B. Proffit - Jul 27, 1915 - Feb 16, 2009
Visitation: Feb 20, 2009 at 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Brown Dawson Funeral Home1350

Millville AvenueHamilton OH, 45013

Directions

Funeral Service: Feb 21, 2009 at 2:00 PM

Tylersville Road Church of God

2753 Tylersville Road

Hamilton OH, 45011
Directions

Ruby B. Proffit known to all as our loving Granny was called home to our Lord and savior February 16, 2009 at 8:30 PM at the home of her daughter in Melbourne, Florida at the age of 93. She was born in Clay County, Kentucky the daughter of William Peters and Elizabeth Creech. Ruby resided in Melbourne, Fl at the time of her demise and was a long time resident of Fairfeild where she raised her family and retired from the National Can. She devoted her time to Fairfield West Elementary School where she won numerous awards for her volunteer work. Ruby was married to Charles Proffit for 42 years who preceded her in death along with one child and two grandchildren. She was survived by two brothers and one sister along with her six children, Catherine Fongdong, Shirley O’Connell, Wilma Crank, Therman Proffit, Mary Ellen Sturbaum and Loretta Hill, 14 grandchildren, 31 great grandchildren, and 6 great great grandchildren.

The visitation will be held at Brown Dawson Funeral Home, 1350 Milllville Avenue, on Friday, February 20, 2009 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. The funeral service will be held at Tylersville Road Church of God, 2753 Tylersville Road, on Saturday, February 21, 2009 at 2:00 PM with Rev. Rick Witt officiating. Burial will follow in Rose Hill Burial Park.

Aunt Ruby Proffit

Randy McIntosh provided the following details on Aunt Ruby's service:

Location - Brown Dawson Funeral Home
1350 Millville Ave.
Hamilton, OH 45013
Phone 513-895-5412

Please check with the funeral home to confirm the following:
The visitation will be from 5:00 to 8:00 pm on Friday, February 20
The funeral service will begin at 2:00 pm on Saturday, February 21

Here is link to the funeral home web site - http://www.browndawson.com/

Mark

Aunt Ruby Proffit

Sorry to report that Aunt Ruby Proffit died yesterday. At the present time I have no details but will update this site when I learn more.

Mark

New Member of the Peters Family

The following note and photo are from Jim and Shelly Peters (Jim is the son of James and Jackie Peters, grandson of Roy and Edna Peters, and great-grandson of W.C. Peters):

For this Child I prayed; and the Lord hath given me my petition which I asked of him. 1 Samuel 1:27

"Our hearts whispered a name...and God answered. With great joy and pleasure we announce the adoption of Caitlyn Anabelle Peters. Born January 10, 2007 in China. Adopted May 7, 2008 to the luckiest two people on earth...her parents, Jim and Shelly Peters.

"Caity is a wonderful child. We brought her home May 17, 2008 and continue to be amazed by her daily. She is a walking, talking, breathing example of how great our God is. He brought our family together while we lived on different sides of the earth and we have been truly blessed.

"We want everyone to know that we truly appreciate everything that so many have done to help us in the journey to bring our daughter home. She is our greatest adventure, our deepest joy, and our biggest blessing. We could not have done it without your prayers and support.

Behold, Children are a gift of the Lord. Psalm 127:3

Not Flesh of our flesh,

nor bone of our bone,

but still

miraculously our own...

"Proud Parents,

Jim and Shelly Peters"

Prayer Request for Aunt Ruby

Hi Mark
Im Mary Ellen, Ruby's Daughter from Iowa. Just a quick note to let the Family know that Mother needs a Lot of prayers from the family. She is having servere heart problems, she is very weak; however her mind is GREAT which is a blessing.
Her wish is to be able to go back to Ohio. All I know at this point is the help she needs has to come from GOD. So PLEASE start the prayers. If Gods knows how important she is to all of us, maybe it will help.
Thanks to all for your help
Mary Ellen

2008 Family Reunion News

It's time to make plans to attend our 51st Annual W.C. Peters FamilyReunion that is scheduled for Sunday, June 22, 2008, at the Sweet HollowResort in Corbin KY (between Lily and Corbin). Potluck will be the menuand lunch will begin at 1:00 P.M. Arrive early so we can get the table of food set and ready to go at 1:00 (announcements should begin at12:45). Spread the word to family members who are not on our emailaddress list.

See you there, Charles Peters

Update on Kasey Lynn Sumner

The following story was published in the March 6 edition of the Corbin Times. If you are among the many family members who were praying for Kasey, please be sure to thank God and tell others about how God answered your prayer.

Published: March 06, 2008 09:02 am
Baby Kasey's doing well
By Samantha Swindler / Managing EditorBack home after heart surgery, Kasey Lynn Sumner is making great strides in her recovery.
She’s got more tests, cardiologist visits and the removal of stitches in her future, but her family is already noticing one of the signs of her recovery — a little bit of chub of her five-month-old legs.
Little Kasey had struggled to gain weight — she was only 8 pounds, 7 ounces about a month ago — because of a hole in her heart she had since birth. Doctors had planned a surgery in May to close the hole, but when they discovered her heart had enlarged, they moved up the procedure to within weeks. They also moved the surgery from Lexington to C.S. Mott Hospital in Ann Arbor, Mich.Kasey’s 18-year-old mother Jessica, and her grandmother Debbie Sumner, weren’t planning on the additional and sudden expenses, and the community came together to help. Insurance paid for the procedure, but donations were taken at local banks to help the family pay for gas, food and lodging during their week-long stay in Michigan. The Sumners were able to stay four nights in a Ronald McDonald House, and the community donations helped with other expenses.
“With all of my heart, I want to thank everyone that said a prayer, had their church praying, gave us prayer cloths, gave us a kind thought and smile, and for the financial help,” Debbie wrote in an e-mail thanking those who helped. “When the phone call came that Kasey would have to go to Michigan, I did not know what we were going to do, but by that afternoon things started happening. I don’t want to start naming names because I am afraid I would leave someone out, but the love and concern of people just started flowing like a river. The worries of the trip were washed away, and all thoughts could be focused totally on Kasey. Thanks to all, we made it up there and back just fine, we had plenty to eat, and a warm place to sleep.”
Kasey had surgery on Friday, Feb. 15, and surprised everyone with her quick recovery.
“They had told us that Kasey would be on life support for about two to three days,” Debbie wrote. “The next day on Saturday, around 11 a.m., they started doing what they call ‘sprinting.’ They said this allowed them to see how well the lungs were going to do. Kasey immediately started breathing on her own, and they were amazed. They kept the life support in and ran multiple tests, and they all came back fine, and around 4 p.m., the doctor told them to take her off of life support ... The nurses said that was the fastest they had ever seen a child start breathing on their own.”
Within days, Kasey was released from the hospital and was back home in North Corbin.
On Monday, she hit the big one-zero — weighing in at 10 pounds even. “It was just like, when we went in (to the hospital), Jessica and I felt like we brought the town with us,” Debbie said Wednesday. “It’s just like a presence that you could just feel everybody’s prayers and thoughts.“It’s been a blessing, and it’s not just financial,” she said. “The prayers, the concern, the love, it didn’t matter what church, there were all different denominations praying. It was a community thing, and it will never be forgotten. It’s a testimony, it really is.”

Debbie Hedrick

Yesterday James Peters told me about the passing of Debbie Hedrick. Debbie was a good friend of the Peters family and has attended our family reunion in the past. The following obituary was published in the Corbin Times Tribune:

Deborah Hedrick
Deborah Hedrick “Debbie” Hedrick, 52, of Corbin, passed away Sunday, Feb. 24, 2008, at St. Joseph Hospital in Lexington. She was the daughter of the late Edward Russell and Bettie Sawyer Hedrick Sr. She was born May 28, 1955 in Corbin. She was a member of South Park United Baptist Church and a member of the Ladies Aide at South Park United Baptist Church.She was preceded in death by her father, Edward Russell Hedrick Sr.; mother, Bettie Sawyer Hedrick; grandparents, J.C. and Ida Benge, and Tom and Easter Sawyer; nephew, Steve Fleming; brothers-in-law, Charlie Bill Litteral, Lawrence Henderlight, Larry Woodlee, Luther Burner and Dennis Pickard.Survivors include two brothers, Jim Hedrick (and Mrs. Linda) of Nashville, Tenn., and Russell Hedrick (and Mrs. Jane) of Gray; six sisters, Faye Pickard of Corbin, Anna Litteral of Corbin, Alma Henderlight Burner of Corbin, Lois Harrison Cathers (and Mr. David) of Corbin, Linda King (and Mr. Norwood) of Gray, Pat Mitchell (and Mr. Murrell, Jr.) of Corbin; and a host of family and friends who mourn her passing.Debbie’s homecoming celebration services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 28, 2008, at Corbin Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Steve Cole and Rev. Paula Farmer officiating.Burial will follow at Resthaven Cemetery in Corbin.Pallbearers will be Ms. Hendrick’s nephews. Honorary pallbearers will be members of South Park United Baptist Church.The family of Deborah “Debbie” Hedrick will receive friends from 5-9 p.m. Wednesday at Corbin Funeral Home.In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to South Park United Baptist Church’s general fund, PO Box 933, Woodbine, Kentucky, 40771. To the Deborah “Debbie” Hedrick family, the staff of Corbin Funeral Home would like to offer you our heartfelt sympathy during your time of bereavement.Corbin Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements, Byron L. Schiesz, director. Published in the Times Tribune from 2/27/2008 - 2/29/2008.

2-21-08 Update on Kasey Lynn Sumner

2-21-08
Good news from James Peters! Last night, shortly after midnight, Debbie, Jessica and Kasey Lynn dropped in for a visit (at James and Jackie's home in Corbin)! They had just arrived back in Corbin from Michigan.

James said that Kasey was breathing easier than before the surgery, and she looked more relaxed than before the surgery. One section of her heart had enlarged due to the original problem. The doctors said that the enlarged section had developed over a five-month period as a result of the holes in her heart. They expect that it'll take another five months for the damage to be un-done. She still has a long way to go down the road to recovery, but she has made it through major open-heart surgery much better than most of the doctors expected.
Even though Kasey is a long way from being recovered, we have much to be thankful for. Right off hand I can think of the following:

1. A safe trip to Michigan and back in the middle of Winter when there were snow storms and seriously cold temperatures throughout the midwest. As I was speaking with James, they were bracing for a major ice storm in Corbin - just hours after Debbie, Jessica, and Kasey's safe arrival home.
2. Good doctors and nurses who were blessed with the knowledge and facilities required to perform an operation that would have been impossible just a few years ago
3. Prayers and support from family and friends, and
4. God's mercy and grace in making all this possible.

Let's thank Him for answering our prayers so far as we continue to pray for Kasey's complete recovery in the months to come...

2-18-08 Evening:
I spoke with James Peters this evening. The last news he heard was yesterday (Sunday, 2/17) afternoon. The news was good at that time. They had removed all the tubes and had taken her off the respirator. She started breathing on her own as soon as they took her off the respirator and had been breathing on her own for several hours at that time. They were surprised at how well she came off the respirator.

Also, as of yesterday afternoon, they had already given her Pedialite and were starting her on Formula. The doctors were amazed at her progress! When James and Jackie called she was reaching for the phone. James was able to record her crying, and she sounded strong on the recording.

That's all we know up to now. James will call me as soon as he gets another update, and I'll post it on this web site. Meanwhile, KEEP PRAYING (prayer of thanksgiving for our prayers being answered so far and pray for continued good progress).

2-16-08 morning
Received the following update from Lois (Alene) Peters this morning:

Kasey Lynn had some bleeding during the night. They gave her blood and were able to get the bleeding stopped.

I'll continue to post updates as I receive them. Meanwhile, keep praying!

2-15-08 afternoon:
Kasey Lynn went into surgery today at C.S. Mott Children's Hospital in Ann Arbor, Michigan at about 1:00 pm. to close two holes in her heart.
She came out of surgery at about 4:10 this afternoon. The doctors successfully closed up both holes. Their report was, "It went well. There was a little excessive bleeding but they were able to stop it."
Thanks to all of you for your prayers - KEEP PRAYING!

Posting from Wednesday:
James and Jackie Peters' Great Ganddaughter, Kasey Lynn Sumner, is having serious health issues. Debbie (daughter of James and Jackie and grandmother of Kasey Lynn) will take her to the C.S. Mott Children's Hospital in Ann Arbor, Michigan on Wednesday with plans for open heart surgery on Friday, February 15. Kasey will be 5 months old on the 19th and weighs 8 lbs. (The photo above is Jessica holding her daughter Kasey.)

A special fund has been set up to help cover the travel expenses. If you would like to donate to this fund, you may send your donation to Forcht Bank, Kasey Lynn Sumner Fund, P.O. Box 2600, London, KY 40743. Attention Keri. Make checks payable to the "Kasey Lynn Summer fund."

If you live in the London area, you may also make a donation in person at any Forcht Bank. Specify that your donation is for the Kasey Lynn Sumner fund.

The Peters family has always had the reputation of being people who are there to help in times of need. Your help will be greatly appreciated and is definitely needed!





The following article was in the Corbin Times Tribune newspaper on February 5:





Published: February 05, 2008 09:38 am
Infant needs donations
By Samantha Swindler / Managing Editor


It’s certainly not easy being a single teenage mom. And for Corbin mother Jessica Sumner, it’s only gotten harder. At nearly four-and-a-half months old, her daughter, Kasey Lynn Sumner, is actually smaller than on the day she was born. Without a surgery planned for later this month, she could face more problems, and now friends are taking donations to help pay for the family’s expenses during their trip to a Michigan hospital.


“Kasey was diagnosed when my daughter was pregnant with a heart defect, and so whenever she was born, they told us she had two holes in her heart and she would eventually have to have surgery if the holes didn’t close up,” said Jessica’s mother Debbie Sumner. “Through medication and a lot of prayer and through time, we thought the holes would close.”


But the holes did not heal on their own. Last Monday, Jessica said she learned surgery would be needed, and the procedure could likely be done in May. But on Wednesday, doctors said the surgery couldn’t wait. Kasey’s heart had enlarged and the Sumners need to be at C.S. Mott Hospital in Ann Arbor, Mich. Feb. 13, with surgery scheduled for Feb. 15.


“It just kindly hit us really quick,” Debbie said. “We were expecting the holes to just start closing. Her heart’s enlarged and they need to do it now.”


Kasey weighted 8 pounds, 14 ounces when she was born a month early on Sept. 19, but part of that weight was because Jessica is diabetic, and it caused Kasey to be born with high blood sugar and extra fat. She dropped down to a low of 7 pounds, 4 ounces, but is now 8 pounds, 8 ounces.


“She doesn’t cry a whole lot, she’s a good baby in that sense,”Jessica said. “She makes little noises when she breathes. She’s on four different medications.


“I’m 18 years old,” she added about Kasey’s diagnosis. “It was extremely hard. With the help of my mom and support of family members we got through it.”




Jessica graduated from South Laurel High School last year. The baby’s father isn’t involved in Jessica’s life, she said. With Kasey needing regular feeding every three hours — even if it takes waking the baby at night to feed — Jessica lives with Debbie and isn’t working. She plans, though, to take online college courses and pursue a career in social work.


“My mom has been total moral support, and if not for her, I don’t think I could have made it,” Jessica said. “My family has been there for me, and.. it amazes me how people will help in a small town when they realize something bad has happened. It’s a hard situation.”


“We did expect surgery,” Jessica added. “But we didn’t expect a week(‘s notice) to go to Michigan. We were expecting in three months to spend a week in Lexington.”




The family does have insurance to pay for the procedure, but it will not cover costs for travel, meals and hotel expenses for the one to two weeks Jessica and Debbie will be in Michigan.


A friend — who asked not to be named in this story — heard about the Sumner’s troubles and offered to help. “(She) is a friend here at the school,” Debbie said. “We’re just working people, and she said ‘you need some money?’ and I said, well, what can I say...”


The friend set out on an e-mail campaign seeking donations and agreed to pay for a rental car to take the girls to Michigan. “Bless her heart, I feel blessed by the niceness of people, (even though) this is a bad situation to say you feel blessed in,” Debbie said.




An account has been set up at Forcht Bank in Kasey Sumner’s name for donations for the family’s expenses. If the family isn’t able to raise money through donations, Jessica said they’ll find a way to get to Michigan. “We’ll borrow it no matter what, because Kasey has to have heart surgery no matter what,” she said.

Special Prayer Request

The following was received from Charles Peters today (February 11, 2008):

James and Jackie's Great Ganddaughter, Kasey Lynn Sumner, is having serious health issues. Debbie will take her to the C.S. Mott Children's Hospital in Ann Arbor, Michigan on Wednesday with plans for open heart surgery on Friday, February 15. Kasey will be 5 months old on the 19th and weighs 8 lbs. James requested that we put Kasey in our prayers.

Kasey is the daughter of Jessica Sumner and Granddaughter of Debbie Sumner.

Charley