Lois Anne Sumrall Obituary

She created a legacy of love. Lois Anne Richard Sumrall, retired Principal of Baton Rouge Magnet High, whose career in public education spanned more than 37 years, passed away on New Year's Day from complications of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). She was surrounded by her family. Lois Anne was born in Thibodaux, LA on October 8, 1935. She is a graduate of Mt. Carmel and Nicholls Junior College and earned her Bachelors and Masters +30 in Education from Louisiana State University. She remained active in national educational organizations throughout her career, and was frequently called upon to help other schools as a certified instructional trainer for school administrators and to implement middle school specific reforms to improve student achievement. The retired educator is a recipient of numerous accolades, including the Louisiana Principal of the Year Award while leading Park Forest Middle School. Previous posts as an English and Louisiana History Teacher include Glen Oaks High, Glasgow Junior High, and Istrouma Junior High, where she later was named Assistant Principal of Instruction. She believed you have to love your students. Lois Anne focused on the mental, physical, and social growth of her students. It's the emotional boost, however, that she offered at the end of each morning's announcements that may have gotten the most attention: ""and don't forget I love you,"" which became her personal credo by which she's most remembered. She thought it a shame that some children may not hear those words and she wanted them to know she cared. Lois Anne carried the tradition with her to Baton Rouge Magnet High School, where beyond supporting excellence in academics and performing arts, improving facilities and supporting teacher training, she hoped to create a warmer and more caring high school climate. At a time when the internet wasn't used in the classroom, she was an early champion of the use of computers and technology to learn. Lois Anne retired in 1995 and remains one of Baton Rouge High's most ardent supporters, having established and led the Baton Rouge High Alumni Association, now known as the Baton Rouge High Foundation. She's also an avid LSU Tiger Football fan and a member of the Bengal Belles. Throughout the years, Lois Anne was accompanied by the love of her life, Herbert L. Sumrall, her husband in 52 years of marriage. They renewed their marital vows for their 40th Anniversary. Lois Anne also leaves behind two sons Herbert L. Sumrall, Jr.; Calhoun Richard Sumrall; and daughter Lee Anne Sumrall Garner; Jan McBride Sumrall, wife of Herbert L. Sumrall Jr.; Robert David Garner, husband of Lee Anne Sumrall Garner, and Robert Calhoun Garner, a grandson. Her parents were Philip Guy Richard and her mother, the former Mathilde Toups of Thibodaux, Louisiana. Lois Anne is predeceased by her brother, Francis Philip Richard and her half-sister, Mercedes Anne Richard Ellender. Travel, entertaining and dining out were favorite pastimes. She and her husband frequently celebrated special occasions with family and friends at Galatoire's Restaurant in New Orleans. They looked forward to Sunday night suppers with Herb, Jr. and Jan. For the last six years, her grandson Robert was a joy in her life and many trips were made to New Orleans to visit. Lois Anne and Herb also enjoyed spending time the last few summers at their son Calhoun's home in Sharon, Connecticut where they had many friends. Her family wishes to pay her tribute through prayer and music. Visitation will be Friday January 4, 2013, 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. at the Rabenhorst Funeral Home, 825 Government St. and Saturday January 5, 2013 9:00 a.m. until Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph's Cathedral. Interment will be in St. George Catholic Church Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to the Baton Rouge High School Foundation in her name. Please visit www.rabenhorst.com to sign the online register book.

Published by The Advocate from Jan. 2 to Jan. 5, 2013.
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Memories and Condolences
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Herb and family--my time on the BRHS board was made possible (even "fun") due to the LEADERSHIP of Lois Anne. I was fortunate to have become acquainted with you two. Please accept my heartfelt sympathy. JIM PIERSON

January 11, 2013

May this candel burn bright as the love we share with you.

Cathrine Sumrall Hughes

January 7, 2013

Mr. Sumrall, Boo, Cal and LeAnn:

Words cannot begin to express my sadness at the news of Lois Anne's passing. I have so many fond memories spending time with your family through the years. Lois Anne was always positive, upbeat and genuinely showed an interest in everyone's well being. Her love of this Nation and sense of selfless service resonated throughout her career. Lois Anne exemplified true patriotism and she contributed immeasurably to the growth of thousands of young people. Her example, perserverance and dignity will be missed.

May God Bless you all, and bring you peace during these difficult times.

Kindest Regards,

Noel

Noel Nicolle

January 6, 2013

Herb, Boo, my heartfelt sympathy for you and your family. Lois Anne will always be appreciate d for her foresight and leadership in founding the BRHS Alumni Association. She was such a joy to be with. She no doubt is among the Saints. God Bless, Howard Phillips

January 6, 2013

As an educator seeking employment, I once called Baton Rouge High School. I will never ever forget the kindness and the consideration that Mrs. Sumrall gave to me.She will never be forgotten by me.I have repeated my experiences with her to many. Emma Henderson SU grad

Emma Henderson

January 6, 2013

My prayers are with Ms. Sumrall's family and friends. I was a sophomore at Baton Rouge Magnet High when Ms. Sumrall became principal. She told us that she loved us literally everyday. She was committed to our growth and well-being, and she will be missed.

Erin Duggins

January 4, 2013

Our condolences to you, Herb, and your family. Lois Anne will be missed by all. We share in your loss. Such a beautiful lady! With deep sympathy, Renee and Herbie Schilling

January 4, 2013

I am so sorry for the loss of Ms Lois, I was her massage therapist at Sacred Ground and I am in shock of her passing. She was a beautiful soul and loved people. Mr. Herbert I know this is very hard for you and may God bless you and the family. My prayers and thoughts are with you.
Robbin Mulina

January 4, 2013

Our sympathy to Herb and family. Herb and Beverly Cannon

January 4, 2013

Herbert, Herbert Jr., Cal and LeeAnn, our hearts go out to you all, along with our many prayers. Thank you all for taking such good care of Lois. She is now in better hands than any of us can provide.

In our youth, Lois taught me how to use make-up, and since then, I have spent many dollars on cosmetics, always hoping to copy her beauty. She was a model of poise and style in so many ways. I loved to watch her, and always wanted to be her.

Charles attended several of her parties when he was very young. It was there that he learned what "Spin the Bottle" was all about. He said her parties were some of the best he attended.

I have the utmost admiration for the devotion Lois provided to the children that she served as both a teacher and a principal. Herb, you were always the real love of her life, and she was so proud of you, her children, and grandchildren.

Our sympathy to all.

Virginia and Charles Albert

Virginia & Charles ALbert

January 3, 2013

Dear Mr. Sumrall,

What a shock it was to hear that Mrs. Sumrall was in hospice--so young. I can remember visiting with her at so many celebrations through the years. One of her greatest pieces of advice was to take a little nap each day when I got home from work. We were so fortunate to have her teaching our children for so many years. Please accept my sincere sympathy.

Anne Soileau

January 3, 2013

My sympathies to the family and friends of Mrs. Sumrall, she was a beautiful lady inside and out. The photo is exactly how I remember her when I was a student at Istrouma Junior High years ago. I worked in the office my last year there and got to see her on a daily basis. She was always so sweet & caring towards me, to everyone she came in contact with for that matter. I pray God comforts you and fills you with wonderful memories of this fine lady.

Debbie (Shearer) Hope

January 3, 2013

My sympathies to the family and friends of this beautiful lady. Mrs. Sumrall was my Guidance Counselor when I attended Istrouma Junior High years ago. She was so gracious and caring -- I considered her a role model. God bless her soul and all those who love her so much.

Sheila Lambert

January 3, 2013

Boss Herb and family my heartfelt sympathies and love go out to each of you at your loss of such a wonderful and beautiful, both inside and out, of your beloved wife and mother. She was a Princess among ladies and I Ioved her dearly.

Today she is with the Lord in his heavenly house dancing around His throne praising Him.

My prayers are with you all.

Lena Scott

January 3, 2013

Although I have never met Mrs. Lois Anne, but I've known of her illness through her son-in-law David Garner, my friend and co-worker. I left work before Christmas Holiday hoping the Sumrall Family will have a blessed Christmas after a rough month due to her illness. Today, after knowing she passed away, I grieve and my thoughts and prayers are with the family. I know she will always be missed, but I am also sure she is in a better place than us. God Bless you all.

Mario Rojas

January 3, 2013

I will always love my Aunt Lois Anne. Always beautiful and amazing in every way. Kind gracious and patient beyond words. My heart is full for my cousins and Uncle Herbert. God bless you and know "we love you"

Cathrine SUMRALL HUGHES

January 3, 2013

Lois was a very special life long friend who I was blessed and fortunate enough to have in my life.
Pat Clement (Thibodaux , La)

January 3, 2013

Herb, So very sorry to learn of Lois Anne's passing. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Evans Roberts

January 3, 2013

Our sympathies are with you, Herb and Family
Don and Rosemary Gerald

January 3, 2013

Lois was a wonderful family member and I was happy to be a part of her extended family. My memories are many and tender. I was always happy to see her and her graciousness at events. Love to all of you. Bess

Bess Ellender Diem

January 3, 2013

Herb, "Boo", Cal, Leigh Ann and all -I just got in from River Center play and when i found the message to call you, Herb, I just had a sinking feeling about what I thought you would tell me. Lois Anne and I had such fun during the founding (Hers), developing and enjoying working on the Baton Rouge High School Alumni Association (now Foundation). She was so proud of it (as well she should have been). She certainly has left a legacy for all to enjoy. My thoughts, prayers and love are with you all.

Jackie Lee Airhart

January 3, 2013

Lois Anne was a very sweet lady. I enjoyed working under her supervision at Baton Rouge High. I remember her ending announcements each day with "I love you". She had the smallest handwriting I had ever seen. I often wondered how she did it.

Nina Ivey

January 2, 2013

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