Clifford H. Summers, 94, and Marilyn L. Summers, 92, both of Forest, Virginia, passed away September 29, 2026, and October 10, 2026. Clifford was the son of the late Daniel Summers and Leontine Hesnault Summers. Marilyn was the daughter of Sidney Newcomb and Bonnie Jackson Newcomb.

Cliff was born on August 24, 1932, in St. Petersburg, Florida, where he attended elementary and high school. During the Korean War, he served in the Air Force and was stationed in Tokyo, Japan. After his military service, he studied chemistry at Florida State University and built an extensive career as a chemist. He published several papers on analytical chemistry and conducted compliance audits for the Department of Defense and numerous private companies.

Cliff attended Forest Presbyterian Church and Quaker Memorial Presbyterian Church. He loved music and loved reading. He sang with a barbershop quartet and with several church choirs and had a beautiful baritone voice.

Marilyn was born October 8, 1934, in Los Angeles, California where she attended elementary to high school. She attended the University of Southern California and worked as a Medical Office Manager and Tax consultant. She advocated for children’s education and was passionate about teaching Discipleship in the Methodist Church in Durango Colorado. She was a member of Quaker Memorial Presbyterian Church in Lynchburg and loved the history of the church and Lynchburg area.

Marilyn and Cliff are survived by seven children, Wayne Varco, Sheryl Kesselring, Bonnie Mundheim, Scott Varco, Patricia Jenkins, Katherine Sonia, and Daniel Summers. They have fifteen grandchildren, sixteen great-grandchildren and one great great granddaughter. Our family is grieving the loss, but they were ready for their next adventure.

The Celebration of Life will take place next June 2027 in Durango, Colorado on the Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, which was Marilyn’s happy place.

In lieu of flowers please show a random act of kindness to someone less fortunate and hug your pastor. We will be honoring them on November 1, 2026, at Quaker Memorial Presbyterian church’s “All Saints Day” service.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg is assisting the family. To send condolences, please visit www.tharpfuneralhome.com