Shirley Earlene Sams, born in Ellijay, GA to William Benjamin James and Ethel Pearl Ray James on October 5th, 1938, took her final breath on earth and her first breath in heaven on Monday, November 26, 2018 at home in Evans, Ga.
Shirley was a faithful daughter, devoted wife, loving mother and a caring friend. She was a follower of Jesus Christ and lived her life as an example of His love and care for others.
Shirley believed that LIFE is a gift to be opened each day!! She smiled radiantly EVERY day, even during her last 8 months while bed bound and under hospice care. She continued to bring JOY and LOVE, and to give smiles, hugs and kisses to everyone who came around. Many people commented on what a lovely smile she had. The hospice case worker in Florida said that she was a favorite of all the hospice caregivers (of about 60 patients in their care). What a testimony of her faith and love of life!
She is preceded in death by her husband O.W. Sams, both her parents and 6 of her 10 siblings: Carl James, Claudia McVey, Ray James, Max James, Lois Newton, Audrey Fouts. She is survived by son and daughter-in-law Autrell and Jane Sullivan of Woodstock, Ga.; daughter and son-in-law Shelia and Jason Stewart of Evans, GA; daughter & son-in-law Sandra & Andy Bundy of Cocoa, Fl and son James Walter Sams of Clarksville, Fl. Several grandchildren including Matthew and Theresa Sullivan, Beth Hurst; Benjamin and Megan Stewart, Samantha Joy Stewart; Jacob and Liz Bundy, Timothy Bundy, Caleb Bundy.
She is survived by her sister-in-law Nancy Ayers and family: Nancy and Homer Ayers; Karen, Jason, Jase, and Jaylan Lago; Kim and Greg Brandon, Breyden Bryant, Stephen Paul Ayers. She lived with the Ayers family for the last 16 years in Clarksville, Fl before moving back to her home with Jason & Shelia Stewart in Evans, Ga after surviving hurricane Michael. She is also survived by her brother Coy James; brother Dencil James and his life partner Rhonda Mills; sister Oleeta Sanford, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, great-grandchildren and other family members.
Services will be held at Forest Meadows Funeral Home 725 NW 23rd Avenue, Gainesville, Fl on Saturday, Dec 1st. Visitation will be from 10-12, service at 12 noon followed by graveside service at Forest Meadows Cemetery 3700 SE Hawthorne Rd., Gainesville, FL 32601.