Elaine M. Sampson

Elaine Marie Sampson was born July 31, 1931 in Chicago, Illinois one of two daughters born to James Coleman Moore, and Rochelle Walker. She attended St. Elizabeth Grammar School and Du Sable High School in Chicago. Elaine’s love of animals was instrumental in her decision to become a Veterinarian. She attended Roosevelt University & the University of Illinois, but eventually left to pursue other interests. During those years, she would marry and the unions produced three sons, Robert, Jeffrey and Jamie. She eventually took a position with the U.S. Postal Service which would lead her to the one true love of her life, Thomas Sampson. Tom and Elaine married, and would settle down in Wheaton Illinois where they would raise their now blended family which included Tom’s two children Charmin & Mark as well. Elaine’s home was always filled with plenty of love, laughter & food. So many who entered her home would be welcomed with a dose of all the above, and all were welcomed. After raising their brood, Tom & Elaine eventually retired to Monks Corner, South Carolina. There they found their little slice of heaven and begin to build a new life for themselves. Elaine continued to travel and enjoy her retirement, when she was not immersed in crossword puzzles, or her favorite pastime shopping at some of her favorite stores, she could be found in her garden in the beautiful surroundings on the lake, she now called home. She continued to be active in many community based programs volunteering much of her time at the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Department, and also as an elected district representative for the AARP. All of these notable contributions and hobbies, paled in comparison to the love she had for her family. Elaine loved her children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews and was a critical influence in all of their lives. She took great care in planning family functions and dinners and wanted to instill those values and traditions in the family she loved. “Grammy “as she was affectionately called by her grandchildren and others, tended to the relationships in her life with such care & nurture, that everyone felt they were special to Elaine. She continued to be a source of strength for others even after the loss of her sister Yvonne, two children Robert and Jeffrey and her beloved Tom. This is evident in the many valued friendships that have spanned decades and continued to the day she died. Elaine passed away peacefully surrounded by the family she loved , in her home in Romeoville, Illinois after a courageous battle with COPD. She touched the lives of many people with her smile and generosity and will forever be missed, but will always be with us. Elaine will be cherished by those here and joined with those we have lost - wife of Thomas Sampson (deceased), sons Jamie (Diane) Sampson, Robert Blackshear (deceased) Jeffrey (deceased, Rebecca) Mark Sampson, Daughter Charmin Sampson. Grandchildren Candice Sampson, Kaila Sampson, Jason Sampson, James Sampson, Jacob Sampson, Joseph Sampson, Julian Sampson. Great Grandchildren Imani Evans, Camryn Evans, Tristan Evans. Niece Marsha Johnson, Nephew Walter Philip Alexander. Sister Yvonne Moore (deceased). Brother in Law Gerald Sampson, Sister in Law Princie Sampson, and a host of great nieces, nephews and cousins. The family would like to thank all those who assisted in her care including South Suburban Rehabilitation, Seasons Hospice, Home Watch Healthcare and Lincare Services. Cremation was Private. A Memorial Visitation will be held at the funeral chapel on Tuesday November 26, 2013 from 10 AM until a Celebration of Life Service begins at 11 AM.

Elaine M. Sampson

July 31, 1931 - November 20, 2013