Betty (Effie) J. White Harmon-Summers

A Child Was Born

James Pedro Harmon Sr. and Mattie W. Harmon gave birth to Betty (Effie) on April 22, 1946 in Holly Hill, South Carolina. She was the eldest of five children: Delores, Doris, Janie Ruth, and James Jr.

Her Life and Works

Betty (Effie) attended the public schools of Holly Hill, SC and graduated from Roberts High School with the class of 1963. She relocated to New York and lived there for 52 years. While in New York, she was employed by Jewish Home & Hospital as a certified nursing assistant. She became a licensed cosmetologist, managing her own private salon suite. She was one part of the gospel trio, Revelation: Straight from the Word of God, which frequented the historic Cotton Club in Harlem for their Sunday Gospel Brunch events. She also became a licensed foster care provider with Catholic Guardian Foster Care Agency and the State of New York, providing a loving home for many foster children and families over the years.

Her Worship

As a little girl, she served at Providence Baptist Church, Santee, SC. She then went on to worship at First Baptist Church, Harlem, NY as well as Mt. Calvary Word of Faith Church, Raleigh NC and Shepherd Outreach Ministry, Vance, SC.

The Loves of her Life

Betty (Effie) was joined into matrimony with Billy Summers of New York, NY and gave birth to two children Alpha and Edward. While she loved her children dearly, it is important to mention that her hats and shoes were next to her heart, just as her family.

Her Legacy

Betty (Effie) was preceded in death by her parents: James and Mattie, 3 sisters: Doris, Delores, and Janie Ruth and Brother-in-law: James Carrington. Her life will continue to be celebrated and remembered by all of those who loved her, including her husband Billy Summers; Daughter Prophetess Alpha L. H. (Rev. Gregory) Kinsey, son Edward L. Summers; Brother: James (Jeannie) Harmon; six grandchildren: Davonio Middleton, Dana (Ricky) Butler, Donovan Harmon, Demote (Shameka) Middleton, Daja (Jonathan) Rice, Xzavier Anderson; 25 great grandchildren; adopted daughters: Clarissa Clark, Sheril Ritter, Brenda Ravenell, Tyneisha Fraser; Adopted son David Middleton; Brother-in-law: Henry Strong; Best Friends: Maybelle Bellinger, Miles Clair Hillard, and Hallie Jean Anderson; Aunts: Ruth Collier and Sandy Harmon; Uncle: Nathaniel Harmon; God Children: Shana, Tegan, Lamont, Jasmin, Quinton as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends near and far.

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