Willa Jean Adcock Samaha

Jean Adcock Samaha, 89, a resident of Grace Health and Rehab Center in Slaughter, LA, and former resident of Zachary, LA, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 18, 2020. Born February 15, 1931, Jean’s life journey began in Trimble, TN, the eldest daughter of two born to William “Bill” Felix and Ione Nunn Adcock. The Adcocks’ would travel from the small town of Trimble to eventually settle in Baton Rouge, LA, in 1943, having moved multiple times following her father’s completion of bridge construction projects along the way. Jean arrived in Baton Rouge while in the sixth grade and enjoyed her school years and friendships, many of which became life-long relationships. She especially enjoyed dancing and was quite accomplished at the “Jitterbug” and “Swing” dance steps of the day. It was through dancing that Jean would meet another proficient young dancer, Ellis T. Samaha, Jr., who would ultimately become her life partner. Jean graduated from Baton Rouge High School in 1948 and married the love of her life and dance partner Ellis in 1949, a marriage that would last over 66 years until his untimely death. Jean attended Business School and worked as a Secretary for several Baton Rouge firms in her early years while Ellis worked in the Construction industry. In 1953, Jean and Ellis’ family life began with the birth of first daughter Brenda Diane, followed by Cindy Denice in 1958. Jean and Ellis continued their love of dancing as members of the Allons Danse’ Dance Club attending many dance events and annual balls. Jean accepted a position with Nichols Construction Corporation (known today as Turner Industries) in 1956, and ultimately became the Receptionist/Switchboard Operator going on to retire from Nichols in 1981 following 25 years of dedicated service. Jean had been devoted to both family and career but now prepared for her next life adventure in retirement. Both retired, Jean and Ellis moved to Pierre Part, LA, and lived on the waterfront of Belle River for eighteen years. Jean and Ellis enjoyed fishing and the outdoors and came to treasure the slower pace and new-found bayou lifestyle. Jean and Ellis would also begin their RV travels and made many camping trips and friends throughout Louisiana and Arkansas during that time. While home, Jean always welcomed her friends, children and grandchildren, as well as extended family to Belle River for any opportunity to entertain. Jean also enjoyed gardening, reading, and spending time with her many Boston Terriers while at “The River”. In 1999, Jean and Ellis left the bayou they had come to love and relocated to Zachary, LA, to begin their final years. The move to Zachary kicked-off with Jean and Ellis’ 50th Wedding Anniversary party. Both new and old friends, as well as Jean’s growing and extended family attended the event - it was one to remember. Jean continued with her gardening, reading, and love of pets but would now add painter, for many of Ellis’ wood crafts, to her growing list of hobbies. Jean became a resident of Grace Heath and Rehab Center in 2011 and was widowed after losing Ellis during one of his daily visits in 2015. She went on to make many new friends during her time at Grace, both residents and staff, many of which she held fondly in her final days. Jean also maintained contact with old friends and family throughout her years at Grace and treasured each and every conversation, correspondence, or visit. As Jean’s time became near, she continued to reach out to friends and family and fought the good fight to eventually join Ellis and her heavenly family in her next life. We will dearly miss our Mother, Mother-in Law, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother, Sister, Sister-in- Law, Aunt, Great-Aunt, Cousin, and friend to so many. Godspeed Mom - may peace and happiness be with you always. Jean is survived by daughters, Brenda Diane Samaha Guidry and husband Donald of Maurepas, LA; Cindy Denice Samaha Ferrara and husband Peter Jr. of Zachary, LA; four grandchildren, Brad Thomas Guidry and partner Donna of Chester, West Virginia; Ashley Jean Guidry Stewart and husband Jeremy of Prairieville, LA; Alexi Nicole Ferrara Moore and husband Dr. James Moore of Zachary, LA; Kacey Lynette Ferrara Amorello and husband Nick of Zachary, LA; nine great-grandchildren, Payne Guidry; Ainsley, Addie, and Brogan Stewart; Oliver and Luke Moore; Kinley, Kyndall, and Kamryn Amorello; a sister, Charlotte Janice “Niecy” Adcock Jarrell and husband Ramon of Baton Rouge, LA; sister-in-laws Carolyn Samaha Dugas and Patricia Samaha Schmit of Baton Rouge, LA; brother-in-law Donald Samaha and wife Jonnie of Luling, LA; along with numerous Nieces, Nephews, and friends. Jean was preceded in death by husband Ellis Thomas Samaha, Jr.; parents William “Bill” Felix Adcock and Ione Nunn Adcock; and brother-in-law Jean Philip Dugas. Pallbearers will be Brad Guidry; Jeremy Stewart; Brogan Stewart; Nick Amorello; Glen Jarrell; and Glynn Samaha. Honorary Pallbearers are Dr. James Moore; Brent Jarrell; Mark Samaha; Darryl Samaha; Jon Schmit; and Michael Schmit. Special thanks to Dr. Gene Thompson; Management and Staff of Grace Health and Rehab Center; roommate Shirley Nobles; Pastor Jimmy Womack; special friend Shirley

Holstein; and so many friends and others for their care and compassion. Due to current COVID-19 CDC Guidelines and State of Louisiana mandates, a private memorial service officiated by Pastor Jimmy Womack, will be held at Rabenhorst Funeral Home in Baton Rouge, LA. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park in Baton Rouge, LA, for immediate family members only.