Beverly "Jane-O" Sum

Beverly Jane Sum, one of the most adorable and lovable people in the world, breathed her last breath on Earth and entered the glorious gates of Heaven on May 6, 2026. Even though she left her family and friends heartbroken, she is now embraced forever in the arms of her greatest love, Jesus Christ, and reunited with her Mommy and Daddy, Evelyn “Evie” and Dr. Paul Sum.

Jane-o’s smile was endless, bringing light into even the saddest situations. Her genuine, nonjudgmental, all-inclusive, and unwavering love was a true reflection of the unconditional love that our God has for His people. Even in her final days, the words “I love you” flowed freely to everyone she encountered, and her hugs carried a joy too deep for words.

How fitting that our Jane-o was born on October 17, 1965 which NOT coincidentally is known as “Sweetest Day”, a holiday founded in 1921 to celebrate agape love through kindness, charity, and appreciation. From the very beginning, her life embodied that purpose.

Born with a developmental disability called Down Syndrome, her fate could have been decided by the world’s standard at that time (institutionalization) but due to the determination and dedication of her parents, she was one of the first “mainstreamed” children in the public school system. Her father’s insistence that she should be surrounded by what the world deemed “normal”, helped her navigate through the obstacles that she faced in this life.

Known as “Janie” before her nickname lovingly evolved into “Jane-o,” her childhood was filled with adventure alongside her siblings: Suzy (Marilyn Suzanne), Cyndy (Cynthia Grace), Rob (Robert Alan), and J-J (John James). She learned to swim and ski and became so accomplished that she earned a place in the first International Special Olympics Winter Games in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, in February 1977. Jane-o remained a dedicated Special Olympian for more than 50 years, with her final competition being the North American Bowling Competition in Reno, Nevada, in March 2026.

Jane-o attended school in her hometown of Salamanca, New York until the age of fifteen. She then moved to Avon, New York to live with her sister, Cynthia, who lovingly took on the privilege and joy of raising her. During that time, Jane-o attended Dayspring Christian School, where Cynthia also taught.

It was there that Jane-o made the most important decision of her life when she asked Jesus Christ to come into her heart as her Lord and Savior. From the moment she rose from the waters of baptism, she was a living example of a true Christ-follower.

When Cynthia married Gregory Ford in 1984, he wholeheartedly shared in the privilege of caring for and loving Jane-o. Their daughters, Havilah, Irene, and Jennifer, grew up considering Jane-o not merely an aunt, but truly a sister. As the family grew through marriages to Jordan (Havilah), Dusty “Shawn” (Irene), and Isaac (Jennifer), and through grandchildren Evie, Odie, Sumner, Thea, Riley, Ford, and Liam, Jane-o’s love only expanded wider, wrapping itself around every new life like sunlight through stained glass.

Her siblings’ spouses, Paul (Suzy), Rosie (Rob), and Robin (Jay), also became recipients of Jane-o’s extraordinary affection, as did her nieces and nephews Olivia (Brandon), Emily, Nathan, and Emma (Alexander), who will forever treasure the smiles, laughter, songs, and memories she gave them.

Jane-o’s exuberant singing and joyful dancing became daily acts of worship. She especially loved serving on worship teams at Freedom Life Church and Christian Renewal, often repeating with delight, “I love to sing on the worship team.” Each Sunday, she brought Psalm 100:1 to life: “Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all the earth.”

Jane-o attended the ARC in Livingston County, New York, worked at McDonald’s greeting customers with her unforgettable smile, and even attended Genesee Community College. When the Fords moved to Bluffton, South Carolina, she worked at Goodwill, attended Programs for Exceptional People (PEP), and participated in Pockets Full of Sunshine and Best Buddies. Most beautifully, she became the inspiration behind the founding of Bluffton Youth Theatre, a place where inclusion, love, and celebration of every person continue because of the life she lived.

If you knew Jane-o for a moment, a day, a month, or a lifetime, you experienced agape love. Through her, people saw and felt the love of God. She smiled at strangers, hugged without hesitation, and loved without limits or conditions.

Let us honor the extraordinary legacy of Beverly “Jane-o” Sum by carrying her kindness into the world. Smile freely. Love boldly. Embrace others generously. Never forget her.

You are invited to attend her Celebration of Life service either in person or via live-stream (on Cynthia Ford’s facebook) at 1 pm on May 23, 2026 at Christian Renewal Church, 95 Gardner Drive, Hilton Head Island, SC.

Christian Renewal has made a special “Jane-o” fund and in lieu of flowers we would ask that you donate to this fund. All of the money raised will be used to help our special needs community: https://pushpay.com/g/christianrenewalhhi?fnd=GcxZFpzlr40dXzkK0Yvdbw&fndv=lock