Ozeal "Nicki" Samson

Nicki Mansur Samson, born on June 4, 1931, in Monroe County, Alabama, passed away peacefully in her sleep on October 20, 2024, after a long illness. She was a cherished resident of New Roads, Louisiana, since 1981, having previously lived in Baton Rouge from 1948 to 1981.

A passionate entrepreneur, Nicki dedicated her life to her family and community. While raising her seven children, she ran “Nicki’s” childcare centers in Baton Rouge from 1962 to 1974, providing care for over 100 children across three locations. She later became a successful real estate agent associated with Gelpi and Associates, managing her own rental properties for many years.

In 1982, Nicki and her husband, Hurst E. “Bud” Samson, opened Samson Galleries, Inc., an antiques and gifts shop on Main Street in New Roads, which thrived until her retirement in 2001. During this time, she also operated as a registered bridal consultant from the shop.

Nicki was deeply involved in her community, serving in various capacities, including the St. Mary’s Catholic Church Altar Society, the American Legion Hunter-Fabre Post 248, where she held multiple offices, and as a board member of the Pointe Coupee Historical Society. In 1999, she and Hurst were honored as “Business Persons of the Year.”

A loving wife, mother, and grandmother, Nicki had a zest for life, enjoying annual trips to Europe in her later years. She was an avid seamstress, creating beautiful dresses for her daughters and home décor. Even in her eighties, she embraced new adventures, trading online long after her official retirement.

Nicki is survived by her devoted husband of 47 years, Hurst E. “Bud” Samson; her son Bolos J. Mansur, IV (wife Mary); daughters Corinne Mansur Formeller, Darhlene Mansur Major (husband Paul “Guy-e”), Nicki Mansur Strickland (husband David), and Beverly Anne Mansur; stepdaughter Sharon Samson Stone; 17 grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her son Paul Michael Mansur; daughter Lillie Catherine Todd; brother Horace Sawyer; sister Gertrude Sawyer Romig; and her parents, Randolph “Doc” Sawyer and Ruby Amison Sawyer.

Pallbearers will be Dylan Major, Bolos J. Mansur, V, Paul M. Mansur, Jr., Troy Major, Michael Strickland, and Jason Todd. Honorary pallbearer is Paul Stephen Strickland. The family extends special thanks to Hospice of Pointe Coupee for their compassionate care and to Katherine Major for her unwavering support during Nicki's final years. Nicki's spirit and love will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

A visitation for Nicki will be held Friday, October 25, 2024 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Greenoaks Funeral Home & Memorial Park, 9595 Florida Blvd, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70815. A catholic funeral mass will occur Saturday, October 26, 2024 at 10:00 AM at St. Mary Catholic Church, 348 W. Main St., New Roads, Louisiana 70760. A graveside service will occur Saturday, October 26, 2024 from 12:00 PM to 12:15 PM at Greenoaks Funeral Home, 9595 Florida Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA 70815. An interment will occur Saturday, October 26, 2024 at Greenoaks Memorial Park, 9595 Florida Blvd, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70815.