Karla Renee Summers, 47, taught at charter schools
She studied music and played the piano and flute
IN HER EDUCATIONAL career, Karla Summers studied the world.
Bodine High School for International Affairs, from which she graduated in 1985, took her to France, and gave her a background in the life and problems of nations.
As a charter-school teacher, one of her schools was Raising Horizons Quest, which teaches kids about aeronautics and aerospace. So her own horizons took in the sky and its exploration.
To say Karla was well-rounded would be an understatement. She was also a talented musician who studied piano and flute, and lifted her voice in song at her church.
Karla Renee Summers, whose focus was always on the development of children (including two of her own) to become productive citizens, died of heart failure Oct. 27. She was 47 and lived in Southwest Philadelphia.
In addition to her many talents and interests, Karla was simply a fine human being, loyal to family and friends, always cheerful, and always putting others' needs ahead of her own.
"Karla was known to her friends and family as much for her humility as she was for her perseverance," her family wrote in a tribute. "She was always considered generous with her time and meticulous in addressing the needs of those under her care. She made certain that laughter and love always filled her home.
"Her smile had the power to overcome all adversity, and the lasting memory of it will continue to lift the hearts and spirits of her family and friends."
Karla was born in Philadelphia to Joyce E. Summers and Harold Summers Jr. She grew up in Southwest Philadelphia. In her youth, she developed an interest in music and learned to play the piano and flute.
After high school and study at the Girard Academic Music Program, she attended Hampton University in Virginia briefly before enrolling at Cheyney University, graduating with a bachelor's degree in education. She was also a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.
She began her teaching career at Chester Charter School in Chester, Delaware County, then moved on to Raising Horizons Quest Charter School. She then began teaching at Discovery Charter in West Parkside "and was instrumental in expanding the school's presence throughout the community."
Karla began her spiritual journey at Mount Carmel Baptist Church, 57th and Race streets. She sang in the junior choir and participated in the church's track team.
Her own children, Kayanna and Khristopher Jackson, "were always at the center of her life," her family said. "They are a living testament to her warm, good-natured spirit and the inner strength that she possessed."
Karla's sister, Lynne M. Summers, is a lawyer who ran unsuccessfully for judge of Common Pleas Court, losing in the May primary.
Besides her children and her sister, she is survived by her mother; a brother, Gregory Elliott, and grandmother, Martha Summers.
Services: 10 a.m. today at Mount Carmel Baptist Church, 5732 Race St. Friends may call at 9 a.m. Burial will be at Northwood Cemetery.