Carlton “Smoke” Sumners Sr., of Trenton, died on Monday, November 22nd at Greenwood House. He was 76. He was born on January 6th, 1945 in Trenton, New Jersey.
He attended Trenton Public Schools and Mercer County Community College. He married Wanda Murphy, and together they had 1 child, Carlton Sumners Jr. They later divorced and Carlton was re-married to Catherine White, together they had 1 child, Charles Sumners. Smoke worked as a police officer for the City of Trenton and dedicated himself to giving back to the city he loved.
He was a dedicated member of many clubs and organizations including, but not limited to, King David Lodge #15, KHUFU Temple #120, Ophir Consistory #48, and Tee 2 Green Golf Club. Smoke’s considerable physical prowess afforded him many opportunities to earn accolades in a myriad of sports. The deep, sonorous voice he possessed also led him to join several successful singing groups such as the Dew Drops and The Tren Teens. His personality was larger than life, Smoke was gregarious, warm, and loved golf and bowling.
The absence Smoke left in the lives of those that knew him is profound, and he will be greatly missed. Smoke is survived by his son, Chaz Sumners, and was predeceased by his wife, Catherine. He is mourned by his aunts: Eunice Glover, Dottie Sumners Rush, Roberta Sumners, Marybel Sumners, Joan Sumners, god-daughter Sarai Walden Bennet, and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Funeral service will be 1pm Friday, December 3, 2021 at Calvary Pentecostal Church, 471 Parkway Ave., Trenton, NJ 08618. Calling hours will be 11am until the time of service. Interment will be at Greenwood Cemetery, Hamilton, NJ. Arrangements are by Hughes Funeral Home.
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