Obituary for Leaha Summers
Ms. Leaha R. Summers was born on August 5, 1981, at the University Hospital in Columbia, Mo., the daughter of Gary H. Hickman, Sr., and Cheryl A. Crocker.
Leaha, living in the Jefferson City area most of her life, received her education from the Jefferson City Public Schools. She married David Summers on October 7, 2000, and to this union their three children were born. Although she worked for the state of Missouri and in various convenience stores on a temporary basis, her primary passion in life was looking after her family and caring for her children.
Leaha derived profound joy from the company of her immediate and extended family, especially during festive occasions. She reveled in the collective gathering, relishing the shared moments of reminiscing, storytelling, and catching up on the year's adventures at Holiday events. Her deep affection for nature lured her to her grandfather's Missouri River campground, where she embraced her Grandpa Crocker’s “good cooking” swimming, and the cherished companionship of her loved ones. The past year ushered in a wave of novel experiences for Leaha, marked by several significant “firsts.” From watching the Super Bowl with her son Shane, Mom and Harold, to her maiden deer camp excursion to see her son and best friend achieve their hunting goals, these milestones became symbolic rites of passage, adding new dimensions to her life's tapestry.
She treasured the precious moments she shared with her children, forging enduring memories alongside them. She took immense pleasure in embarking on adventures such as float trips, weekend retreats to St. Louis for the Children's Museum, and Tan-Tar-a for some sun-soaked amusement. Leaha had mastered the art of Snapchat, often utilizing its filters to craft uproariously funny expressions alongside her children. Whenever time permitted, she delighted in traversing the globe, with her most recent expedition taking her to the vibrant city of New Orleans, Louisiana. Leaha epitomized the quintessential product of the digital era, frequently spotted with her phone in hand, leisurely perusing social media. Her friendships held an irreplaceable position within her heart, with her closest companions regarded as cherished sisters.
If one had the privilege of crossing paths with Leaha, they undoubtedly gained a genuine friend. She exuded an unapologetically sassy and outspoken personality, relishing in meaningful interactions with others, be it face-to-face or via text. Her warm and welcoming smile instantly put people at ease, for she was unafraid to express her emotions openly and wore her heart on her sleeve. Leaha possessed an unwavering passion to aid those in need, readily extending her support to anyone grappling with life's challenges. Even after her untimely departure, her benevolent spirit endured, as she selflessly chose to donate her sight, leaving a lasting legacy of generosity.
On May 8, 2023, Leaha peacefully transitioned from this earthly existence to the Heavenly realm beyond, accompanied by her mother's comforting presence, within the very hospital that witnessed her birth. She will forever be remembered with immeasurable love.
She is survived by: her three children, David “Shane” Summers, Rylee J. Summers, and Jackson W. Summers all of Holts Summit, Mo.; mother, Cheryl Steck (Harold) of Centertown, Mo.; father, Gary Harold Hickman, Sr. of Guthrie, Mo.; three siblings, Gary “Bub” Hickman, Jr. of Sullivan, Mo., Randy Hickman (Stephanie) of Mokane, Mo., and Kalie Brown (Cole) and of Hallsville, Mo.; maternal grandmother, Helen Wade; grandfather, Larry Gilpin; uncles, Dennis Crocker (Nancy) and Richard Crocker (Leesa); aunts, Charlotte Turner and Tammy Hickman (Andy); several nieces and nephews; numerous cousins; and a host of friends.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Huey Crocker, Karen Gilpin, and David Hickman; two uncles, Steven Gilpin and Sam Crocker; one cousin, Jesse Crocker and infant sister, Nichole Hickman.
Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m., Saturday, May 13, 2023, at Freeman Mortuary.
A celebration of life service for Leaha will be conducted at 12:00 p.m., Saturday, May 13, 2023, in the Freeman Chapel with the Reverend Joseph Skiles officiating. Graveside services and interment with will follow at Elston Cemetery, Elston, Mo.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Hospice Compassus or the charity of the donor’s choice.
Funeral arrangements are under the care of Freeman Mortuary, 915 Madison St, Jefferson City, MO 65101.
Leaha, living in the Jefferson City area most of her life, received her education from the Jefferson City Public Schools. She married David Summers on October 7, 2000, and to this union their three children were born. Although she worked for the state of Missouri and in various convenience stores on a temporary basis, her primary passion in life was looking after her family and caring for her children.
Leaha derived profound joy from the company of her immediate and extended family, especially during festive occasions. She reveled in the collective gathering, relishing the shared moments of reminiscing, storytelling, and catching up on the year's adventures at Holiday events. Her deep affection for nature lured her to her grandfather's Missouri River campground, where she embraced her Grandpa Crocker’s “good cooking” swimming, and the cherished companionship of her loved ones. The past year ushered in a wave of novel experiences for Leaha, marked by several significant “firsts.” From watching the Super Bowl with her son Shane, Mom and Harold, to her maiden deer camp excursion to see her son and best friend achieve their hunting goals, these milestones became symbolic rites of passage, adding new dimensions to her life's tapestry.
She treasured the precious moments she shared with her children, forging enduring memories alongside them. She took immense pleasure in embarking on adventures such as float trips, weekend retreats to St. Louis for the Children's Museum, and Tan-Tar-a for some sun-soaked amusement. Leaha had mastered the art of Snapchat, often utilizing its filters to craft uproariously funny expressions alongside her children. Whenever time permitted, she delighted in traversing the globe, with her most recent expedition taking her to the vibrant city of New Orleans, Louisiana. Leaha epitomized the quintessential product of the digital era, frequently spotted with her phone in hand, leisurely perusing social media. Her friendships held an irreplaceable position within her heart, with her closest companions regarded as cherished sisters.
If one had the privilege of crossing paths with Leaha, they undoubtedly gained a genuine friend. She exuded an unapologetically sassy and outspoken personality, relishing in meaningful interactions with others, be it face-to-face or via text. Her warm and welcoming smile instantly put people at ease, for she was unafraid to express her emotions openly and wore her heart on her sleeve. Leaha possessed an unwavering passion to aid those in need, readily extending her support to anyone grappling with life's challenges. Even after her untimely departure, her benevolent spirit endured, as she selflessly chose to donate her sight, leaving a lasting legacy of generosity.
On May 8, 2023, Leaha peacefully transitioned from this earthly existence to the Heavenly realm beyond, accompanied by her mother's comforting presence, within the very hospital that witnessed her birth. She will forever be remembered with immeasurable love.
She is survived by: her three children, David “Shane” Summers, Rylee J. Summers, and Jackson W. Summers all of Holts Summit, Mo.; mother, Cheryl Steck (Harold) of Centertown, Mo.; father, Gary Harold Hickman, Sr. of Guthrie, Mo.; three siblings, Gary “Bub” Hickman, Jr. of Sullivan, Mo., Randy Hickman (Stephanie) of Mokane, Mo., and Kalie Brown (Cole) and of Hallsville, Mo.; maternal grandmother, Helen Wade; grandfather, Larry Gilpin; uncles, Dennis Crocker (Nancy) and Richard Crocker (Leesa); aunts, Charlotte Turner and Tammy Hickman (Andy); several nieces and nephews; numerous cousins; and a host of friends.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Huey Crocker, Karen Gilpin, and David Hickman; two uncles, Steven Gilpin and Sam Crocker; one cousin, Jesse Crocker and infant sister, Nichole Hickman.
Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m., Saturday, May 13, 2023, at Freeman Mortuary.
A celebration of life service for Leaha will be conducted at 12:00 p.m., Saturday, May 13, 2023, in the Freeman Chapel with the Reverend Joseph Skiles officiating. Graveside services and interment with will follow at Elston Cemetery, Elston, Mo.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Hospice Compassus or the charity of the donor’s choice.
Funeral arrangements are under the care of Freeman Mortuary, 915 Madison St, Jefferson City, MO 65101.