of Yellville, AR
February 19, 1936 - October 24, 2022
On Monday, October 24, 2022 Sammie Lane Jefferson, our beloved mother, passed away. Sammie was eighty-six and a lifelong resident of Yellville, Arkansas.
Mom was born February 19, 1936 in Mull, Arkansas to Alice and Harrison Smith and was one of nine children (Jesse, Benny, Leroy, Billy Frank, Kenneth, Willodean, Evelyn and Mary). At age 19 she married Walton and they were together for over 57 years. One night their house caught on fire and Dad said he ran to get his guns and Mom ran to grab her wigs.
They had 4 children, Bryan, Scotty, Lorri and Ken; 9 grandchildren, Brittany Curtis, Blake Jefferson, Braden Jefferson, Adam Jefferson, Jarod Jefferson, Hope Davenport, Zach Jefferson, Conner Jefferson and Carley Jefferson and 3 great-grandchildren, Cade Curtis, Claire Davenport, and Reagan Jefferson. Mom was also blessed with 4 amazing daughters-in-law, Tammie, Holly, Tamara and Miko.
Mom loved God, loved family and loved visiting with people. Mom was a charter member of the Yellville Church of Christ, where she taught Sunday School for decades. She was also very active in World Bible School, where she corresponded with 1200+ people around the world. She was the epitome of unconditional love and grace to all who knew her.
Mom's happiest times were when all the family was together and everyone just sitting around and visiting at her house. She was usually found in the kitchen frying deer meat and potatoes or making biscuits and chocolate gravy. She loved to hear stories from everyone and share her stories. In fact, just a few minutes before she died, Mom was visiting with us kids and happily recounting the story of when her daughter Lorri thought she had beaten her mom's record of 39 points in a single basketball game, Mom happily informed her daughter that she was 7 points short and that her record was still intact.
Mom leaves a big hole in our lives, but we are comforted with the many, wonderful memories and love she poured out over the years. We know she is rejoicing with her friends and family in heaven and our savior Jesus Christ.
The funeral will be held 2:00 pm Friday, October 28, 2022 at Yellville Church of Christ. Visitation will also be Friday from 12:00 - 2:00 pm.
Arrangements are by Roller-Burns Funeral Home in Yellville.
Oh Granny how I miss you! I think about you everyday, and treasure the memories. I love you and miss you so very much.
My sympathy to the family. Sammie and I go way back to 1955-56…if Patty is still alive, she could fill in the blanks! Our only adventure was moving to Tulsa, living with one of her brothers, both getting jobs but getting homesick six months later
and she went home and married Walt and I went to Ponca City to live with my sister and family. Many years later my husband and I stopped by the Jefferson’s
and enjoyed a mini-reunion. Wonderful memories!
Love you mom. Words don’t come easy right now for me. We had a great last 5 years here together since I left the bank. Enjoyed our lunches and talks we had and sure gonna miss all that and much more. You were the best mom a kid could’ve had. I just hope I can join you one day, because there’s no doubt. What faith I have stems from you. I’m very grateful for you and dad, and my raising. Until we meet again, I love you.
Just heard yesterday about Sammie. Did not get to see her often but remember growing up when we came to visit Grandpa and Grandma Smith that we would sometimes see her. Mom told me that she, Sammie and Kenneth had the same birthday but they were ten years younger than her. I always thought she and Aunt Betty were a lot alike. Fun times growing up. Now their generation is just about all gone. I sure miss them all and will be thinking of all of you for your loss. She had a blessed life and family. We will all see each other again someday. Thinking and sayings prayers for all of you.
Aunt Sammie was a wonderful aunt and loved by everyone who knew her
My heart breaks for the Jefferson family. Sammie was always very sweet and kind. Visiting with her every time she came in the restaurant, receiving thoughtful gifts, to going to her house for Christmas goodies she had baked was like having another Grandmother. She would often have an intriguing story to share and always mentioned something involving her kids and grandkids. Continued thoughts and prayers to all of you.
Sorry for your loss. Prayers for the family
Please accept our deepest sympathy
Larry and Judith
Bryan, Scotty, Lorri, Ken-
Your mom was a great Christian Lady who set a wonderful example for all who knew her. Sammie and I made many fun memories after my sister, Russelline, married LeeRoy. We were good friends until we met on the basketball court on opposite sides-she a Panther and me a Bobcat! But after the game I would go home with her to share girlfriends’ secrets! Growing up with Sammie in the Fifties was so fun. She will be missed by all, but especially you four-her pride and joy!
I had planned to come up with Carey and Don but my husband is not well, so stayed home. Love and prayers for all of you
I was saddened to read of Sammie's passing last night. Homegoing is a such bittersweet time. My love, thoughts and prayers are with you as you carry on.
Our sincerest thoughts and prayers will be with the Jefferson extended family today with the passing of Sammie. May the memories you cherish fill your hearts with joy, comfort and peace. We have only fond memories of Sammie. She was a "straight shooter". She would always speak directly and plainly and never mince words. You always knew where she stood with her faith, family and friends. We admired her honesty, since of family, church with always a good story to tell. It was a pleasure spending time with her and will be a welcome sight to see her again one day. With much love, The Bowman Family - Tim, Kresta, Pyper-Daley and Stryder.
Dearest Jefferson family we are sorry to hear about the passing of your sweet mom. Though we never met her in person we know she was a wonderful person just by the stories Ken and Tamara would tell . Much love and prayers are sent for your family today and the days ahead â¤ï¸
You too now have sorrow; but I will see you again, and your heart will rejoice, and no one takes your joy away from you. John 16:22 Your Mom and Dad has left a wonderful legacy for you, will always be missed but the comfort is you will be with them again. GOD BLESS YOUR FAMILY.
To all of Sammie’s family…I’m so sorry for your loss of your sweet Mama. We were blessed with two of the best, weren’t we? Holding you all close in my prayers.
So sorry for your loss!
So many things come to mind when I think of Aunt Sammie. Early on the world’s best chocolate sheet cakes and ripe watermelon, later on always a welcome place after late night ball games, and most recently the place gravitated to to ‘catch up’ when coming home. She will so be missed.
What a special lady and great Christian example for us all. She always had a kind word of encouragement when I needed it most. Prayers of comfort for all those that will miss her until we see her again.
Blessings and prayers for the family.
I always looked forward to Sammie joining our Zoom bible study. What a beautiful spirit heaven has gained. May her family know how much they are loved by the community and friends. Have a beautiful celebration Friday and as you say goodbye, I pray you feel a little piece of heaven knowing Sammie is home. Love you. Laura Crabb.
Prayers for the Family. My fondest memory of Sammie was sharing a hospital room with her when Lori and Valerie were born.
Jefferson family, I am so sorry about the passing of your mom. I know she loved and was loved fiercely. My thoughts are with you today.
Our prayers for the Jefferson Family. So sorry for your loss. Really nice obituary. Easy to tell how much she was loved. Raised a great family. Job well done. Everyone is blessed with a story. Hers I have no doubt will be passed on by her family. Way it should be.
Dearest Jefferson family, Aunt Sammie is most definitely one of those people who leave more in the world than they take. I’m about 10 years younger than Sammie, which means from my earliest memories, she was on Alice’s front porch with a green, crystal stem glass of sweet tea, a swagger in her walk & often a sermonette. I savored her every word & stored it in my family rules memory book. She was classy, invested, beautiful, loving, smart & ,yes, walked with a twist & hand on her hip. If she said it, it was the gospel. I’ll never forget mom (Willodean) saying how broken-hearted she was when Alice got pregnant that last time. Mom was a senior in high school & had to stay home weeks to help Alice since she had twins! Sammie made up for all that angst.. There are many excellent women & Sammie leads the march!
To all the family
So sorry to here,about Sammie. She was a,great lady. I pray God will give you peace at this sorrowful time.
Our beloved mother. She was our best friend growing up, but always our mother first. She loved everyone and lived by her faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. Love her and miss her always but I know she wouldn’t come back now even if she could. She’s lived for this moment to Jesus all her life.
Our sincere condolences on the loss of your dear mother.
We are so sorry to hear about Sammie! She was a sweet, friendly lady, and a lovely lady! Sending prayers for peace and comfort for the family!
Dear Jefferson family,
I am so sorry to hear of Sammie’s passing. Please know that all of you are in my prayers.
What a wonderful lady. Always so kind to me. She built a tremendous legacy in her family. Prayers for you all
We are so sorry for your loss and we are sending prayers and hugs your way. Mrs. Sammie was a very special person who had such a big heart.
Miss you, Mom! You have set the example for love and grace for us to all follow. You were the best mom anyone could have.
My prayers go out to the family.I know she will be missed dearly.The last time I got to come for the reunion I got to visit with her and we had such a wonderful time.
Our prayers with your family during this time. Loved her a lot.
Prayers for this family
My love and heartfelt sympathy for her beloved family.
My prayers and love are with Bryan and all of the family. You now have a very special angel to watch over you.
Sammie was loved by all and will be missed. May all the family be blessed and know that Sammie is probably flying with the angels but telling them when to turn left or right.