Ernestine Kay Cumber, compassionate nurse

Ernestine Kay Cumber, 79, known to family and friends as Kay, passed away Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, at Christiana Hospital.

Kay was born Nov. 14, 1946, in Fairfax, Va., to the late Frank and Mary Dyer Powell. She earned her bachelor of science in nursing from University of Virginia in 1968, beginning a lifelong career of service and compassion. Kay worked as a registered nurse and surgical nurse in Fairfax for 23 years, followed by 17 years at Beebe Hospital. She was a proud member of Beebe’s inaugural heart team, a role that reflected her dedication, skill, and commitment to patient care.

Outside of her professional life, Kay was an exceptional cook who found great joy in preparing meals for those she loved. Her kitchen was a place of warmth, generosity, and connection.

In addition to her parents, Kay was preceded in death by her beloved husband, David Cumber; her brother, Richard Powell; her stepbrothers, Wiley Powell and Bo Powell; her stepdaughters, Judith Alexander-Weber and Mary Ellen Rubel; her step-granddaughter, Stephanie Ellingson; and her step-great-great-grandson, Wolf Combs.

She is survived by her sister, Mary Benton; her stepsons, Steven (Lisa Cottrell) Cumber, Thomas (Kathy) Cumber and David (Karen) Cumber; her stepdaughters, Seana Smith and Catherine (Steve) Gray; 16 step-grandchildren; 23 step-great-grandchildren; and one step-great-great-grandson.

Kay will be laid to rest beside her husband at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.

Visit Kay's Life Memorial webpage at parsellfuneralhomes.com.