Willie Sue Samuel 91, 13 - February Unity Mortuary

Mrs. Willie Sue Samuel was born on July 1, 1930 in Elberton Georgia to the late Odessa (Jones) McIntosh and Willie McIntosh. On February 13, 2022, she transitioned peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family.

Affectionately known as "Mama" by her family and "Ms. Sue," by her friends, her family was her pride and joy. She was the matriarch of five beautiful generations, all of whom adored her. She married the late Garnet Samuel in 1953 and together they had eight beautiful children. She devoted her life to Jehovah God and was baptized in 1966. She enjoyed witnessing to family and strangers alike.

Mama was a pillar of strength in the family and the Lonsdale community. Smart, funny, witty, and quick on her feet with a 'comeback,' all that knew her cherished her. What she said in the family was the gospel. She was candid and would 'tell it like it is.' She was a confidant and friend. If you shared your innermost thoughts and feelings with her, she kept them close to her heart.

Known for her fluffy biscuits and mouth-watering sweet potato pies, family members and the community from near and far would request food 'to go.' Frequently, the items would not make it home as the delicious treats would be eaten in the car ride home to various cities and states.

Ms. Sue was also known for her great taste in fashion, stylish hats, and purses. She rotated her accessories by the season and would often adorn her spring and summer dresses with a denim jacket and sunglasses. A natural green-thumb, gardening and nurturing indoor plants were some of her favorite hobbies.

She was employed at Mrs. Kinser's, a Knoxville-based salad company, during her early career. Later, she cared for children in the family while their parents worked. Before anyone looked into a daycare, they checked with Ms. Sue first to see if she was available.

Preceded in death by her husband Garnet Samuel: parents Willie and Odessa (Jones) McIntosh (Elberton, GA); daughter Cleo McIntosh (Cleveland, OH); brothers Lenwood, Cofer, and Harry McIntosh (Cleveland, OH), and Jept McIntosh; sisters Roena Booker (Elberton, GA), Rita Hurst (Cleveland, OH), Mary Lewis (Gainesville, GA), and Carrie Middlebrook; and great-grandsons J'Marcus Samuel, Jamodd Mack, and Javian Taylor.

She leaves to cherish her memory devoted children Patricia Samuel, Bennie (Gayle) Samuel (Atlanta, GA), Gwendolyn Samuel, Norris Samuel, Leon Samuel, Nadine (Jack) Taylor, and Ruby Samuel; brother, Otis (Willie Bea) McIntosh (Elberton, GA); loving grandchildren, Dr. Bryan (Shauna) Samuel (Mansfield, TX), Bobbie McIntosh (Denone) Hurley (Cleveland, OH), Teleatha (Willie) Jones (Atlanta, GA), Dr. Javiette Samuel, Wilkeadra (Rodney) Cox (Atlanta, GA), Jarvis Samuel, Chris Samuel (Atlanta, GA), Angel Wallace (Gadsden, NC), Demetrius (Tasha) Taylor, Nakita Taylor, Akia Samuel, Thommesha Gray, and Jamya Gillis; more than twenty great-grandchildren; and ten great-great grandchildren. Devoted spiritual sisters Jewel Fanning, Lorene Bryson, and Barbra Garland.

The family will receive friends on Friday, February 25, 2022 from 12:00 p.m. until 1:00 p.m. at the Unity Mortuary Chapel with a Graveside Service to follow at 3:00 p.m. at the Sherwood Memorial Gardens. A white dove release will conclude in her honor.

Mrs. Samuel will lie in state on Thursday, February 24, 2022 from 12:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at the Unity Mortuary Chapel.

Due to Covid restrictions, the family respectively asks that masks be worn and social distancing be practiced.

Unity Mortuary is honored to serve this family.