Carol E. Sams' Obituary
Carol Elsifor Sams, age 89, passed away surrounded by her family on May 31, 2024, in Memphis, TN. She was born on January 9, 1935, in Ann Arbor, MI. Mrs. Sams was a beloved wife, sister, mother, aunt, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was preceded in death by her husband, Roger L. Sams, I, her parents Vivian S. Elisfor and Col. Floyd D. Elisfor (Ret.) and her son-in-law, Richard Jones. She is survived by her sister, Janet Elisfor Lemon (Dave) of AZ, her children, Roger Lee Sams, II,(Candace) NC, Mark Silas Sams,(Gayle), Memphis and Elizabeth Sams Jones of Memphis. Elizabeth supported and cared for her in her last years, after making her final home at Kirby Pines. Mrs. Sams was a wonderful grandmother to four grandchildren, Meredith Sams (Melissa), Robert Jones (Kaylon), Laura Littleton (Jason) and Tommy Nassar, six great- grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews.
Mrs. Sams educational journey was endless. She attended Louisiana State University, Arizona State University, University of Memphis, and University of Tennessee at Memphis, where she earned her Masters Degree. She spent countless hours studying and updating her license to better serve her clients throughout the years.
Mrs. Sams had a fulfilling career that began at DHS Protective Services as a caseworker. She would further her calling to help people and become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). Her vast practice would include time at the St Peter Home for Children, Arlington Developmental Center, Memphis Boys Town and St Joseph Hospital. Mrs Sams also volunteered at the Suicide and Crisis Center for four years. After leaving St Joseph, she decided to open her private practice where she spent many years working with adults and children. She became well known for Sand Play Therapy as well as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). After retiring from her practice, Mrs. Sams kept busy gardening, reading and furthering her education. Eventually, she would go back to work as a social worker at the Salvation Army working with homeless and abused women. As busy as she was, she always made time for her grandchildren cooking with them, baking cookies and teaching them valuable life lessons.
Mrs. Sams talents and love of crafts would lead her to making special gifts for family. They now cherish her multitude of ornaments, knitting, weaving, sewing and many others. Her hobbies not only included collecting her cherished angels and butterflies but also working on the family genealogy. She loved researching and crafting genealogy books for the family.
Mrs. Sams was a devoted member of Hope Presbyterian Church where she was involved in multiple work groups, small groups, seminars and social gatherings. She studied her Bible daily and shared her Christian faith praying daily for her family and friends. She was what most strive to be, a caring, loving and compassionate Christian.
Her visitation will be Wednesday, June 5, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. until the start of her memorial service at 11:00 a.m. at Memorial Park Funeral Home, 5668 Poplar Ave., Memphis, TN 38119. She will be interred with her beloved husband at Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Hope Presbyterian Church, Food Bank, WKNO/PBS, Salvation Army or charity of your choice.
Mrs. Sams will be deeply missed by her family and all who knew her.
May she rest in peace. Proverbs 31.10-31
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