Gloria Ameh Abunaw Sume

Gloria Ameh Abunaw Sume Obituary

With heavy hearts, we announced the passing of our cherished Gloria Ameh Abunaw Sume, who passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at Ohio State University, The James Cancer Center after 1-year battle with Breast Cancer.

Life: Gloria was born on October 15, 1974, to Mary Ngoh Abunaw and Michael Akom Abunaw in Victoria Cameroon where she lived most of the time before moving to the USA. She started her post primary education in Ndian Division where she attended Government Grammar School Mundemba and continued in GHS Bangem where she graduated in (Year). She later relocated to the USA in 1997 and lived with her sister Esther and husband Thomas Batta in Baltimore, MD. She later on invited her then fiancé, Larry Sume and they continued to live in Baltimore for about 10 years where she started a career in Nursing. Gloria moved her family to Columbus Ohio in October 2017 to attend Chamberlain University Nurse practitioner program where she graduated as one of the best Nurse practitioners. She worked at CRC, Orient Ohio, until her demise.

Family: Gloria left behind her husband of 28 years, Larry Sume. Gloria and Larry maintained a loving and supportive marriage up until her passing. As devoted Catholics, they decided to bless their marriage in October 2022 at St. Matthias Catholic Church, Columbus Ohio. Together they raised three loving children, Mekolle Sume, Akom Sume, and Adjene Sume. In deep mourning are gloria’s siblings: Anthony Abunaw, Esther Abunaw Batta, Florence Abunaw Nzene, Marie Abunaw Fonlon, Victoria Abunaw Ntam, Cletus Abunaw, Mercy Abunaw Ewane, Aghen Billa Abunaw, Lasi Abunaw.

Cousins: Aghim Abunaw, Victorine Esuka, Akom Benka, Alice Alancho, Jude Awuba, Bello Tanya.

Nephews and nieces: Lydia Mbole, Ellen Ngoh, Juliette Ebote, Marion Endialle, Debi- Nora Ntube, Sodeya Aboh, Elvis Akom, Gael Abeimbom, Allen Ansahmbom, Besong Manga, Roselyn Ebenye, Ashley Mbole, Thomas Batta jr., James Fonlon, Ebenye Ashley, Micheal Akom, Ivy Mbi, Aboh Avanka, Ekoko Ewane. Victoire-Lasi Ngoh, Darlyn-Lasi Aboh, Dylan-lasi Ameh, Eddie-lasi Nzene, Annora Berlian, and Kylen Precious

In-laws: Thomas Batta, James Fonlon, Patient Etta Abunaw, Ivo Ewane Ewang, Ntam Chrysantus, Ngowo Leekson, Efite Joseph Ngomba; Dennis Baidu, Elvis Nkwelle, Franklin Madubeze, Emmy Vitasari, Mekolle Clement, Nnoge, Etoe, Ebude, Senge, Mbwoge, Mechang, and Epolle.

Friends: Gloria cherished her friendships, developing them at each stage of her life, with these lasting the remainder of her life. At the time of her passing, Gloria still had friendships that she developed in Cameroon as a young child, at school, at her jobs, in church, Cameroon association and the Bakossi community in Ohio. She was known not just for enjoying her friendships but for being a good friend as well.

Flowers: Her passion for gardening started at an early age. She became an avid and accomplished gardener who took joy in sharing both her knowledge and harvest with friends and family. Overtime her passion blossomed into a business and she started selling her produce, pepper, tomatoes, and fresh vegetables. She took pride in her garden and considered gardening as therapeutic and her happy place. Every Spring as the weather changed, she started planting her favorite vegetables, tomatoes, pepper, okra, and the list goes on.

Also, Gloria was known for being a fine cook. She delighted in preparing tasty food to share with her family and friends. She was known for her ability to cook even complicated dishes and in creating beautiful inviting meal presentations and table settings. It was always a treat to sit at Gloria’s table!

Up until the end Gloria maintained her kindness, grace, compassion, appreciation of beauty, love of family and friends, and expressed gratitude for her life, full of wonderful and varied experiences. In her almost 51 years here with us she experienced an abundance of love and friendship. Ameh, we will miss you and may you continue to rest with the Lord.