JONESVILLE — Mrs. Beth Summer-Strait, 49, wife of Robert Strait, 1234 West Springs Highway, Jonesville, passed away Aug. 22, 2012 at Spartanburg Regional Medical Center after a brief illness.

Beth was born in Buffalo, April 21, 1963, a daughter of the late Ollie Orestus Summer and Bertha Brock Summer. Valedictorian of her graduating class at Union Academy, she was also named a Furman Scholar. She received her undergraduate degree from USC-Union and Lander University and received her master degree in Community and Occupational Education from USC-Upstate.

Beth was employed as a court liaison with the Domestic Abuse Center for the Upstate area of South Carolina. She previously served as Executive Director of the PACE Center and had also served as Director of the Spartanburg Mental Health Association. Beth had also worked with the Union County Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission and the Union Carnegie Library. She was currently serving on the Upstate Workforce Investment Board and had served on the Union County Alcohol and Drug Abuse Board.

Beth loved being a advocate for mental health and for other concerns in her community. She had participated in the development of legislation to support mental health services and was awarded the Order of the Palmetto by former Gov. Mark Sanford.

An avid traveler with her husband, Beth was a devoted and loving daughter, sister, wife, “Mama” and aunt. She was a member of Bethel United Methodist Church in Spartanburg.

Surviving in addition to her husband are a son, Daniel Orestus Strait of the home; three sisters, Margie and Gearline Summer and Brooks Varner; one brother, Frank Summer; a special niece, Shannon “Molly Roe” Smith; and numerous other nieces and nephews.

Beth was predeceased by a sister, Roberta Summer; and two brothers, Charles and Forrest Earl Summer.

Memorial services will be held 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 26, 2012 at the S.R. Holcombe Funeral Chapel conducted by Rev. Merritt Wentz. The family will receive friends immediately following the services in the chapel.

Memorials may be made to: Spartanburg Day School, 1701 Skylyn Drive, Spartanburg, SC 29307.

The family will be at the home 1234 West Springs Highway, Jonesville.

The S.R. Holcombe Funeral Home, Inc.

(www.holcombefuneralhomes.com)