Velda Rivers Summers

Velda Rivers Summers, born on August 1, 1954, in Mobile, Alabama, passed away on April 18, 2026, in Maryville, Tennessee.

Velda was the beloved daughter of Ira and Emma Dell Rivers. She was in her 50th year of marriage to her soulmate, Robert Lee Summers, at the time of his passing last September. She was a proud mother to Brooke (Carl) Frizzell and Heather Stacey Summers, and a devoted grandmother to Skyler, Beau, Eden, and Ensley Frizzell.

Velda spent much of her childhood in Chickasaw, Alabama, and in nearby Clarke County, where she enjoyed weekends, holidays, and summers with her grandparents, aunts, uncles, and many cousins. It was there that she was baptized at Bassett Creek Baptist Church. As a teenager, she lived in Sacramento, California, before returning to Selma, Alabama, where she graduated high school, became a labor and delivery and nursery nurse at Vaughan Memorial Hospital, married her husband, and welcomed her first daughter.

She later moved to Destin, Florida, where she spent much of her adult life, continued her nursing career, and welcomed her second daughter. In her later years, she lived in Maryville, Tennessee, where she cherished time with her grandchildren.

Velda was a dedicated labor and delivery and NICU nurse at Fort Walton Beach Medical Center for the majority of her career. She had a deep love for caring for babies and took great joy in watching them grow and thrive as they graduated from the NICU and went home with their families. After her time in labor and delivery and the NICU, she worked in the psychiatric ward of the hospital and later as a case manager at Eglin Air Force Base.

Before having children, Velda enjoyed spending her free time with her husband, Robert, and their friends — scuba diving, running, and making lasting memories together. Throughout her life, she was always giving back, helping others in her community in any way she could. She volunteered at her daughters’ school and served as a Girl Scout leader.

Velda enjoyed vacationing at Disney World and in the mountains of North Carolina, watching old movies — especially Westerns — and listening to music. She also cherished reminiscing about her joy-filled childhood spent with her cousins. She adored traditions and holidays, especially decorating for Christmas, enjoying summer holiday picnics, and celebrating birthdays. Above all, she loved her family and treasured time spent with her children and grandchildren.

Velda is survived by her daughters, Brooke (Carl) Frizzell and Heather Stacey Summers; her grandchildren, Skyler, Beau, Eden, and Ensley Frizzell; her sister-in-law, Jane (Gene) Smith; her nephew, Aaron (Katherine) Ritchie-Smith; her great-nephews, Michael and Cole Ritchie-Smith; her great-niece, Avery Ritchie-Smith; her Aunt Fay Fendley, Uncle Billy Rivers; and many beloved cousins. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Lee Summers, her parents, Ira and Emma Dell Rivers, and her grandparents, many cherished aunts, uncles, and cousins.

A visitation will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at Appalachian Funeral Services in Sylva, North Carolina, with graveside services to follow at Carl Frizzell Family Cemetery in Sylva (109 Gribble Gap Road). Pallbearers will be Carl Frizzell, Skyler Frizzell, Beau Frizzell, and Aaron Ritchie-Smith.