Born in Ft. Mitchell, Alabama, Mrs. Sumbry was the daughter of the late Estes and Frances Boldman Holloway. She was employed for several years with Bibb Manufacturing Company and was retired from Rose Hill Baptist Church. She was a devout member of the Gethsemane Baptist Church where she served with the Inspirational Choir, Treasurer of the Missionary Ministry, and volunteered with the Gethsemane Clothing Bank. She was also a member of Minister's Wives of the Original Mt. Carmel Association, and the Interdenominational Minister's Wives Association.

She was preceded in death by a daughter, Barbara Sumbry Giles, and her siblings.

Survivors include: her husband of 66 years, Reverend E.L. Sumbry, Sr.; five sons, Earnest L. Sumbry, Jr. (Christine), Pastor Michael R. Sumbry (Marva), William E. Sumbry (Margarita), Robert G. Sumbry (Amanda) and Johnny L. Sumbry (Cindy); two daughters, Melinda S. Seldon (James) and Vernelle S. Pierce (Dwayne); twenty-six grandchildren, a host of loving great grandchildren; a son-in-law, Rev. Curtis D. Giles; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.