Procious — Norma Lea Samples, 82, of Procious, left her earthly home to be with Jesus on Friday, May 19, 2017.

Born December 2, 1934, in Clay, she was the daughter of the late Clifford Stewart and Othel Eagle. In addition to her parents, Norma was preceded in death by her loving husband, Mervyn “Kent” Samples; and two sons, Terry and Ricky Samples, with whom she is now happily reunited; as well as her brother, Carl Stewart.

She was a woman of incredible strength and dignity, who loved and was loved by her family unconditionally. Norma took pride in her beautiful flowers which she could be seen working in on any sunny day. Emily Dickinson wrote, “Unable are the loved to die, for love is immortality.” She will live forever.

Norma is survived by her sons, Clifford and wife, Debbie Samples, and Timmy Samples; three grandchildren, Emily Samples McQuillen and husband, Jamie, Matthew Samples, and Kaitlyn Samples and her fiancé Jake Allen; one great-grandson, Josiah River McQuillen; her beloved aunt Lena Belt; sisters, Francis Sizemore and Linda Rhodes; brother, Johnny Stewart; and multiple nieces and nephews.

Funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, May 24, 2017, at Wilson-Shamblin-Smith Funeral Home, Clay, with minister Ralph Davis officiating. Burial will be in Long Sam Samples Cemetery, Procious.

Friends gathered with family from 6-8 p.m., Tuesday, May 23, at the funeral home.

On-line condolences may be sent to the family at www.carlwilsonfuneralhome.com.