Rachel L. Cummings

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith; henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day; and not to me only, but unto all that love His appearing…II Timothy 4:7-8

Rachel Lenora Cummings, born February 16, 1952, in Wilmington, Delaware was the youngest of five children born to the late Rufus Edward and Annie Lorraine McNeill Barnes. She transitioned into eternal rest on Monday, January 3, 2022, in Christiana Care Medical Center.
Rachel received her early education in Dunleith Middle School and graduated from DeLaWarr High School in 1969, where she played on both the field hockey and softball teams.
Active involvement in organized sports continued in Rachel's adult life with her studying martial arts and participating in softball and bowling leagues. In 1970, through her involvement in martial arts, Rachel met Glenn Haley. They dated for several years, and from this relationship, her daughter, Nneka Saran, was born.
In addition to being an avid softball player, Rachel enjoyed watching and traveling with the Dunlieth Originals, a semi-pro baseball team. In1979, she was united in holy matrimony with one of the players, Richard ‘Dickie' Surratte, and from this union her son, Richard Jabar, was born.
Rachel initially worked for the DuPont Company and was subsequently employed by the Chrysler Corporation in 1972, where she was actively involved in UAW Local 1183 and was a member of their bowling team. She retired after 30 years of service at the Newark Plant, and in later years was a driver with A&D Transportation. When not driving for A&D, Rachel was a fixture at St. Francis Hospital, where she greeted patients entering the emergency room, while employed with Allied Security.
While employed at the Chrysler Rachel met the love of her life, James W. Cummings. They were united in holy matrimony on July 25, 1992. Although this union produced no children, together they raised Rachel's granddaughter, Jakiya Barnes. Rachel and James were also surrogate grandparents to her great-nieces, Ashley and Lorraine Barnes, the daughters of her niece Danielle Barnes whom Rachel affectionately referred to as her oldest child.
Rachel and James had an enduring love for one another. He was a doting husband and catered to her every want, need or desire. No ask of Rachel's was too big or too small - and he sought to meet them all. James would load up the conversion van for their annual month-long trek to attend family reunions in his home state of Texas, and then on to her family home in North Carolina, a more than 3,000-mile trip. They loved to listen to gospel music, and no doubt that sustained them on the 22-hour ride to Texas, the 17-hour drive to North Carolina, and the 8-hour drive back to Delaware.
At an early age, Rachel accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior. As a child and young adult, she was a member of Community Presbyterian Church. She was a devoted member of Friendship Baptist Church with her husband, James. She loved to hear Rev. Vincent P. Oliver preach. When her devoted husband went to glory Rachel joined New Calvary Baptist Church and worshipped there until her health prevented regular attendance.
Rachel was a no-nonsense straight shooter. With her fiery personality and loud bold color schemes, it was hard to miss Rachel in any room. While purple was her favorite color, she could be counted on to serve up lime green or bright orange on any given occasion. She was one who enjoyed just getting up and going but she knew she could call either Audrey Thompson or Iola Bryd to accompany her on any mission she had in mind especially her weekend road trips.
Aunt Rachel as she was affectionately known by the Dunlieth Community was the one that would correct you and feed you at the same time. Her door was always open to anyone who needed her. She had a special connection with everyone on Robinson Drive especially her dinner dates and time spent with Donielle Collins and Aubery Spencer.
Rachel was predeceased by her parents and her beloved husband James Cummings. Cherishing her members are her daughter, Nneka Barnes-Moon; son, Richard Surratte (Maria); grandchildren Alesha Surratte, Jalesha Surratte, Jakiya Barnes, Dymeer Surratte, Zyaire Surratte; great-grandchildren Zaya Sutherland, Jhireique Sutherland; godsons Joe Donaldson and Waverly DeBreaux; goddaughter Dawn Winfield; brother, Rufus Barnes; sisters, Emma L. Barnes, Mary E. Rodgers, and Genell Walls; aunts, Dorothy Jane Barnes and Irene McNeill; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.


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When: Jan 19, 2022 11:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Topic: Celebration of Life for Rachel L. Cummings

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JAN 19. 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM (ET)

Community Presbyterian Church
519 Rogers Road
New Castle, DE 19720