Gwendolyn Lemly Summey's Obituary
Gwendolyn Lemly Summey, age 87, passed away on Monday, January 15, 2024, following a prolonged illness. Born on July 27, 1936, in West Jefferson, NC. She was the daughter of the late Ithiel Gentry Lemly and the late Callie Duncan Lemly. Gwen graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She was a proud Tarheel and always cheered on her team.
Throughout her life, Gwen served her community as a registered nurse in multiple roles. She began her career as a hospital-based nurse but went on to discover her true passion in Public Health Nursing. Gwen worked for the Fairfax County Health Department in Alexandria, Virginia for 41 years and 2 months. Over the course of her career, she was a School Nurse, a Home Health Nurse, a Nursing Supervisor and finished her career as the Community Health Education Liaison for Fairfax County where she set up programs to promote better health in her community. Gwen will be remembered as a loving mother, grandmother and friend who brought joy and laughter to those around her. She has always believed in helping people - especially those without the means to help themselves and there was always a place at her table for anyone who may need a hand. Gwen would never pass by a homeless person without giving them money or go into a nearby store to get them clothing or to a restaurant to buy a meal and that is evidenced by her life of service as a nurse with some of the most in need patients in her community.
This generosity of spirit spilled over into her love of animals. She adopted countless pets and gave money to every animal charity that sent a request.
She found joy in finding bargains at yard sales, singing and dancing, going to the beach and wearing shorts in the winter. She was a trendy fashionista who could shop until she dropped. Gwen always had a focus on family and is survived by her daughter, Lisa Dow Juliano; daughter in law, Renee Juliano and three grandchildren - Cole Thomas Juliano, Callie Jeanette Juliano and Caidan Daniel Juliano of Lewes, DE; niece and nephew Sandra Lemly Padgett and Carroll Dorn Padgett of Loris, SC; great niece and nephew Kimberly Padgett Foster and Rev. John Thomas Foster of Tupelo, MS; and great-great niece and nephew Caroline and Anderson Foster.
In addition to her parents, Gwen was predeceased by her brother, Gale Gentry Lemly and sister-in-law, Ruth Abke Lemly of Decatur, GA.
A celebration of Gwen’s life will be held at Epworth United Methodist Church 19285 Holland Glade Rd, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971 on February 23, 2024, a visitation beginning at 10:00 am and a service to follow at 11:00 am.
Florist Note - Please deliver all floral arrangements to Epworth United Methodist Church.
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