Lessie Samuel

Sister Lessie Robinson Samuel was born to the late Emanuel and Leary Robinson on July 23, 1929. Our precious Sister Lessie departed this earthly life on Monday October 11, 2021, embarking on an epic adventure to Heaven.

Sister Lessie was educated in her early years in Chesterfield County and later at Butler High School in Darlington County. After the passing of her father, the Robinson family relocated to Hartsville, South Carolina. It was there that she met and married her husband, the late Deacon James Walter Samuel. This union was blessed with seven wonderful children.

Sister Lessie was a faithful member of Second Missionary Baptist Church in Hartsville, South Carolina under the leadership of the late Reverend Samuel Young and in later years she worshipped under the leadership of Reverend Clinton Brantley and Reverend J. D. Blue. Sister Lessie served the church in many capacities, such as: organizing the Revelations Choir that was comprised of teenagers and young adults, served on the Deaconess Board, a member of the Missionary Society and the Sunday School Class. Later years, she joined Jerusalem Baptist Church in Hartsville, South Carolina under the leadership of Reverend Michael Harris and later Reverend Reginald Floyd where she continued to worship faithfully, until her health declined. She was a member of Mount Rona Chapter #233 Order of Eastern Star for more than 50 years.

Sister Lessie devoted her unique skills to a variety of areas such as: mission work, farming, housekeeping, childcare, and manufacturing. She had a extraordinary love for her family, to include all three of her sons-in-law, her church families, and her many dear friends. She enjoyed decorating, fashion, cooking, baking, and fishing.

Sister Lessie loved people and would often visit the sick and shut in. She always made a point to greet everyone in her company individually as she never met a stranger. Her most memorable quote was: “always be nice to people, because you never know when it will be your last time seeing them.” Sister Lessie truly exemplified Colossians 3:12.”Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience,” a true servant of God.

Sister Lessie was preceded in death by her husband, James Walter Samuel; her parents, Emanuel and Leary Robinson; four brothers, John Robinson, Jason Robinson, Ross Robinson, and Danny Robinson; and five sisters, Lennie Jones, Ethel Funderburk, Sallie Sanders, Ernestine Bishop, and Alice Robinson.

Sister Lessie leaves to cherish her precious memories: seven children, James E. Samuel of Hartsville, South Carolina, Elvis (Dorothy) Samuel of Columbia, South Carolina, Ronnie Samuel, Lottie (Ben) Martin, Linda (Reverend Rick) Fountain, Derrick Samuel (Helen Davis), and Patricia (Allen) Byrd all of Hartsville, South Carolina; thirty-nine grandchildren; fifty-nine great grandchildren; ten great great-grandchildren; six special nieces, Barbara Scarborough, Teresa R. Wallace, Berthena Rogers, Joyce Robinson, Debra R. Scarborough, and Rachel Watson; two special nephews, Bobby Funderburk and J. D. Robinson; two sisters, Mildred Wooden of Hartsville, South Carolina and Gladys McManus of Charlotte, North Carolina; three daughters-in-law, Terri Simpson, Mary Alice Allen, and Betty Samuel; three sisters-in-law, Allean Robinson, Elizabeth Robinson, and Dorothy Robinson all of Charlotte, North Carolina; three god daughters, Mary Boochie Phillips, Hattie Penny Pooler, and Barbara Millhouse-Broussard; two special friends, Patty Dubose and Mamie Thomas; and a host of nephews, nieces, other relatives, extended church family, and friends.

Please keep the family of Mrs. Lessie Samuel in your thoughts and prayers.