Willie Sue Samuel Obituary in Knoxville at Unity Mortuary

Obituary For Willie Sue Samuel

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.

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Lenwood McIntosh family

We love you Aunt Sue. We will see you again in the resurrection.

To the family of Sis. Willie Sue Samuel....I share these words from I Corinthians 15:51-58(The Living Bible) for your comfort, strength and peace as you continue life without the physical presence of your dearly beloved...."But I am telling you this strange and wonderful secret: we shall not all die, but shall all be given new bodies! It will all happen in a moment, in the twining of an eye, when the last trumpet is blown.For there will be a trumpet blast from the sky, and all the Christians who have died will suddenly become alive, with new bodies that will never, never die, and then we who are still alive shall suddenly have new bodies too. For our earthly bodies, the ones we have now that can die, must be transformed into heavenly bodies that cannot perish but will live forever. When this happens, then at last this Scripture will come true-"Death is swallowed up in victory. Oh death, where then your victory? Where then your sting? For sin-the sting that causes death-will all be gone;and the law which reveals our sins, will no longer be our judge. How we thank God for all of this! It is he who makes us victorious through Jesus Christ Our Lord! So, my dear brothers(sisters), since future victory is sure, be strong and steady, always abounding in the Lord's work, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever wasted as it would be if there were no resurrection. Be comforted in knowing that you shall see her again and that what you do for Christ will last! Be blessed and know that we are continually sending love, prayers and peaceful thoughts your way....Barbara J. Canada and family

Samuel family, may you find comfort and peace during this time as your mother/family/friend has earned her eternal wings. K.Scott

You will be missed so much Aunt Sue. I always enjoyed calling to talk to you. You made me laugh every time we talked. You would always let me know that you were Sis McIntosh Daughter.I Loved You so much, your great niece Brenda Wilkins Orsley.

To the Samuel Family that is very special and dear to me, I would like to express my sympathy during this difficult time. It is not easy to lose a family member, especially someone extraordinary as Ms. Sue and who impacted so many people. I hope you all will be able to draw strength and comfort from your cherished memories in this sorrowful time. During your unimaginable grief, healing must seem like it is an insurmountable challenge. I'm here to help bear your burden, you do not have to carry them alone. Lean on me in these trying days and let me know how I can help. I hope you all will be surrounded by all the necessary love to pick you up and carry you through this tragic loss. Sending much love and a lot of love and kisses!! -KaVonna

I am so sorry for your loss Pat. You and your family are in my prayers. Sending hugs & love to you all.

To the Family of my late sister of Christian faith: The Bible at Revelation 21:4 says, "And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away." This is an assured promise from God. This future promise includes perfect health and everlasting life for obedient humans. The Bible also says "The righteous themselves will possess the earth, and they will reside forever upon it." (Psalm 37:29) May each of you be comforted by Jehovah our God of tender mercies who helps us in all our trials. Please accept my deepest condolences. Thelma Sanders-Hunter

To My Beloved Family,
I want to express my love and devotion.
I pray this prayer for all our family:
Father, thank you that we are never alone; your presence calms the troubled sea of our lives and speaks peace to our souls. Your word says that our faith will never be put to shame when our trust is in you. Hear our prayer as we ask you for comfort in dealing with the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, cousin, friend, and so much more.
Please help us to find strength and peace in your presence. Restore the joy to our soul. Lord, bless us and keep us, and make your face shine upon us. Turn your face towards us and give our family peace through Our Great Jehovah, our God. Amen.
We love each of you dearly and our favorite, beloved Aunt Sue 🥰🥰🥰
Grace and peace 😇🥰 Lots of Love, Teresa Oglesby