Jill Faulkner Summers, daughter of Nobel-prize-winning author William Faulkner, died on April 21 at her home, Knole Farm in Charlottesville, Va., after suffering a severe stroke in November 2006. She was 74.
Master of Foxhounds of the Farmington Hunt since 1968, Mrs. Summers was the longest-serving active lady master in North America, whipping in until the time of her stroke.
Her daily routine included hours at the kennels, not only supervising the activities and checking on the welfare of the hounds, but also walking them out on non-hunting days. With her huntsmen, she developed a remarkable pack of American and Crossbred foxhounds, helping to keep the old Virginia Bywaters blood thriving.
Mrs. Summers’ love of the Thoroughbred horse was evident in her choice of mounts and in her breeding program. Offspring of her stallion Limited Edition have figured prominently in the International Hunter Futurity and have won on the line at Upperville (Va.) and Devon (Pa.).
In addition to her love of horses, Mrs. Summers was an avid reader, an accomplished trout fisherman, a renowned breeder of Jack Russell terriers, and a talented cook. A private person who shunned the limelight, much of her life revolved around her family.
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She’s survived by her husband, Paul D. Summers Jr., sons Paul D. Summers III and A. Burks Summers II, daughter Catherine F. Summers, and four grandchildren.
Memorials donations may be made to the Farmington Hunt Club Panel Fund, P.O. Box 5562, Charlottesville, VA 22905.
