OPELOUSAS – Funeral services honoring the life of Mr. Elijah Albert Sam, Sr., age 49, will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at Emmanuel Church of God In Christ, 1716 West Landry Street, Opelousas, LA. Interment will be in Garden of Memory Cemetery in Opelousas, LA.

Mr. Sam peacefully entered eternal rest on Monday, February 9, 2026, at Our Lady of the Lourdes Regional Medical Center in Lafayette, LA, surrounded by his loving family. He was affectionately known as “Snack” to some and “Champ” to others, names that reflected the love and memories he shared with all who knew him.

Family and friends are invited to gather in remembrance during the visitation beginning at 8:00 a.m. at the church.

The celebration of life will be officiated by Pastor Kenneth W. Smith.

Mr. Sam leaves to cherish his loving memories: his wife, Aquilla Sam of Opelousas, LA; his mother, Mary Lee Johnson Sam of Opelousas, LA; his sons, Elijah Albert Sam Jr. and De'Ontre Kevon Sam, both of Opelousas, LA; bonus daughters, Heavenly, Zoey and Keyon'a, all of Opelousas, LA; his siblings, Elton (India) Sam Jr., Charlene (Ronald) Sam Richard, Angela (Dwight) Sam Perrodin, Jeremiah (DeShawna) Sam Sr., Miranda Sam and Jemima Sam, all of Opelousas, LA; granddaughter, Londynn Sam of Ville Platte, LA; bonus grandson, Akil Zy'Air; Godparents, Barbara Johnson Lewis and Felton Sam Sr., both of Opelousas, LA; his aunts and uncles, Dorothy Johnson, Alice Johnson, Barbara Johnson, Ethel Johnson, Linda Johnson, Joseph (Alice) Johnson, John Celestine Sr., Rosa Johnson, Annie (Horace) Benjamin Johnson, Cecilia Johnson and Felton (Maxie) Sam Sr.; his brothers-cousins-friends, Joseph Sam, McKinley Babineaux Jr., Herbert Fontenot, Herman Kemper, James "Dodi" Smith, Chris Gray, Sterling Coleman, Chris Cane, Roderick "Ruggy" Aaron, Marcus Bluett, Kevin Malbrough, Brad Chambers and Darrius Jennings Sr.; his in-laws, Alvin and Oradell Thibodeaux; his Godchildren, Ashia Sam, DeQuanShae Drawsand, McKinley Babineaux III, Collin Fontenot, Jaden Sam and Arielle Lewis; his dog, Chocolate and several other pitbulls; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Mr. Sam was preceded in death by: his loving father, Elton Sam Sr.; maternal grandparents, Albert Sr. and Selena Simms Johnson, paternal grandparents, Clarence and Mary Sam; uncles/aunts, Albert Johnson Jr., Nathaniel Johnson Sr., Jerry Johnson, Vincent Johnson Sr., Lillian (Harry) Broussard, Lily Johnson, Eula Sam, Rosella Celestine, David Sam, Ruby Small, Odelia (Ernest) Chambers Sr., Mary Dee Sam, and Ora (Merrick) Simien; cousins, Felton "Twee-d" Sam Jr., Isaiah Johnson Rue and Patricia Brown; basketball brothers, Kenneth "Boo" Stoot and Ike Powell.

The family wishes to express their sincere thanks to Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center’s Staff.

Words of condolences may be expressed at fordandjosephfh.com

Ford and Joseph Funeral Home, 907 N. Market St., Opelousas, LA, (337) 942-6750, is in charge of arrangements.