Georgiann Ford Sumner

Georgiann Ford Sumner, of Bartow, Florida, passed away on November 6, 2026, at the age of 85.

Born in Daytona Beach, Florida, on November 29, 1940, Georgiann dedicated much of her life to education, agriculture, family, and her community.

A graduate of the University of Florida, Georgiann earned degrees in Horticulture and Vocational Education. She went on to serve the Polk County School Board for 20 years as a special education teacher in agriculture, sharing her knowledge and love of agriculture with generations of students.

Her commitment to young people and agriculture extended well beyond the classroom. Georgiann was a devoted supporter of 4-H and FFA students and volunteered her time with the Polk County Youth Fair. She took great pride in encouraging young people and supporting their involvement in agriculture and agricultural education.

Outside of her professional life, Georgiann enjoyed horseback riding, animal rescue and rehabilitation, fishing, and gardening. She was also an active participant in Bartow's Garden Club, where she continued to share her appreciation for gardening and the natural world.

Georgiann's life reflected a genuine love of agriculture, education, and community involvement. Through her years of teaching, volunteering, and supporting young people, she made a lasting contribution to the community she called home.

She is survived by her husband, Sidney L. Sumner of Bartow; son, Wade L. Sumner, (April) of Bartow; daughter, Lynn Sumner of Bartow; and her three grandchildren, Sadie, of Bartow, Erin Eady (John) of Lakeland, and Sydney Teleweck ( Nick) of Cape Coral, FL. Georgiann will be remembered for her dedication to her family, her students, agriculture, and the Bartow community. Her influence will live on through the many students and young people she encouraged and the lives she touched throughout the years.

A Celebration of Life honoring Georgiann will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the FFA Foundation in Georgiann's memory.

Condolences to family at www.whiddenmcleanfuneralhome.com