William Shumake

William C. “Mickey” Shumake was born on November 23, 1938. He passed away peacefully on August 14, 2026, with his wife and son in the room by his side. He leaves behind cherished memories and a legacy of love that will remain in the hearts of all who knew him.

Mickey was a beloved family member, friend, and mentor. Throughout his life, he touched many lives with his kindness, warmth, unique personality, and humor. He will be remembered for the moments shared, the stories told, and the lifelong friendships that he fostered throughout his life.

Those who knew him and loved Mickey will forever cherish his memory and the impact he had on their lives. Although he is no longer with us, his memory will live on through his family, friends, and a host of people from all over the country who had the privilege of knowing him.

Mickey, the beloved son of the late Irene Shumake-Henry and William Palmer, and the adopted son of his Aunt and Uncle, Lillian O. Shumake-Rogers and Otis Rogers, peacefully left this earth to be at home with the Lord on Friday, August 14, 2026, at 6:31 pm. He is preceded in death by his beloved son, Jeffrey M. Shumake, and his younger sister, Sylvia Y. Shumake-Cain.

Born on November 23, 1938, Mickey accepted Christ at an early age. He was active in various auxiliaries and served on the Trustee Board at Bethel AME Church in Bryn Mawr, PA, and was also an active member of Campbell Chapel AME Church in Bluffton, South Carolina, where he lived and served.

“Mickey” attended and graduated from Bartram High School in Philadelphia, PA. (1952-1956). Afterward, he joined the United States Air Force and served for four years, ending his military service with outstanding distinction. His next chapter began in 1960 when he enrolled at Cheyney University, earning a Bachelor's Degree in Education. During his time at Cheyney University, he pledged Omega

Psi Phi Fraternity in 1962 and became a lifetime member, earning the distinguished honor of membership (#217). He then attended Temple University and earned a Master’s Degree in Education, which drove him into his administrative career. He began as a Middle School Science Teacher and then climbed the ranks of administration, becoming a Vice Principal and Principal at University City High School in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. William C. “Mickey” Shumake started the JMS Memorial Scholarship Fund in memory of their son, Jeffrey M. Shumake, who was killed by a drunk driver on February 20, 1999. He founded and served as the Chairperson of this organization until his death. His civic accomplishments included the Bluffton Self-Help organization, founded by Ida Martin, which fed people experiencing poverty and those in need in the Bluffton area. He also served on the Board of Directors for Cheney University.

“Mickey Shumake” married the love of his life, Marion G. Wiggins, on May 21, 1964, two days before they both graduated from Cheney. They married at his parents' home in Wilmington, Delaware, without a traditional church wedding ceremony.

Mickey's memories will be forever cherished by his devoted wife Marion, of sixty-two years, and his son, Andre. Also sharing those memories are his honorary grandson, Richard “RJ” Sylvia, III, Sister Lillian Shumake Royster (DeVerl), brothers Spencer Henry (Joanne Parker), John Colbert Henry (Ida), and brother-in-law John Cain, as well as a host of others who were close to him and his family and were lifelong friends. Those friends were Drs. Richard and Grace Bulls, Mr. and Mrs. George Pilgrim, Mr. Wendell Witlock, Mr. and Mrs. Richard (Tandra) Sylvia, and Mr. Greg McNeil (Scrappy).