Leola Lazell Samuel

Leola Lazell Samuel was born October 22, 1926, the third of five in Brewton, AL to the union of the late Rev. Dennis and Mary Ella Roberson, Sr. She had five (5) siblings, three (3) brothers, Daniel, Dennis, and William and two (2) sisters, Ozell, and Ronell, all which preceded her.

Leola (Momma) matriculated through several institutions of academia. She emphatically believed and modeled “life has short-cuts, but you don’t have to take them, get educated.”

Momma navigated and graduated through the courses of life with honors from Southern Normal Institute of Brewton, AL to Alabama A&M University of Huntsville. There she commenced in her teaching profession (including family members) and progressed further by lecturing at Selma University Bible College. In July 2007, she received her Doctorate of Divinity from Sacramento Theological Seminary & Bible College.

Momma married her “childhood sweetheart” James Lee Samuel, Sr on June 18, 1946 in Brewton, AL. Enlisted into the United States Navy since March 20, 1943, they were relocated to Oxnard, CA in 1948 and brought along their care package, a bouncing baby girl named Billie Jean. Time and shore duty truly multiplied more “packages” for Momma to nurture while Daddy was at sea. Then arrived, James Edward, Linda Sharon, Marilyn Louise, Donna Thaye, Daryl Duane, Leslie Shawn, and the surprise arrival of Christan Landon.

Momma and Daddy united in fellowship with the Saint Paul Baptist Church of Oxnard in August 1948. They weren’t bench warmers. They came to serve, faithfully give of their time, talent and tithes. She served as the Church Historian, Finance Director, Songstress, Deaconess, Director of Christian Education and Basic Christian Training. She also held position of Dean of Christian Education for Western Baptist Convention and Teacher/Lecturer for Progressive National Baptist Convention, Inc. At Saint Paul Baptist Church under the direction of the late Pastor Jesse Walker, along with the late Rev. A. A. Bills they formed the SPBC Young Peoples Ministry. Along with Tessie Price, she established the Progressive Baptist State Convention Young Peoples’ Ministry. In February 2018, Momma united with Faith Mission Christian Fellowship Church of Camarillo, CA under the pastorship of Rev. Willis and Gay Steele. She was readily accepted as the “Mother of the Ministry”, a pillar, Charter Member and first Board Member.

Momma held several core values, but she stood firmly on two: hard work and higher education. California challenged her motivation for further education. All of her education and certifications were often contested according to California’s requirements, especially in the medical field. However, she did not allow that to stop her because she knew what she knew. She often responded to these types of challenges a mantra such as, “well if it’s more education they want – then it’s more education they’ll get!” Her stamina was proof. She worked at Ventura County Medical Center for over thirty-four (34) years as an LVN and Health Educator! She retired three (3) times because they kept persuading her to come back. After retirement, she along with her daughter Marilyn Samuel-Butler and Rev. Felix Jones III, established the African-American High Blood Pressure Clinic for health needs and wellness education for Ventura County.

Momma’s home was the “neighborhood-home” where literally EVERYBODY was welcomed. Just as she equally fed, clothed and shared wisdom with her children, she did it for everyone at any age or stage in life (as unto to the least of these). She was ethnically color BLIND and her home had no walls. Her nature was to help people get on their feet. She’s absolutely a Virtuous Woman of God, that loved as Christ loved – even if you tried to misuse her! That’s how we know she was truly Christ’s Disciple and a faithful servant of God.

On Sunday, September 3, 2023, Momma was gently cradled by her omniscient God who saw the need that only HE designed for HER – one of ultimate healing, timeless perfection and permanent residency.

Momma left a legacy for generations to come. There is not enough time nor space to expound on the love and wisdom she bestowed on this world; but we can honor her by taking the path to Christ, if you want to behold her again.

Preceded in death, her loving husband, Deacon James Lee Samuel, sons Leslie Shawn and Christen Landon (Julie) Samuel and daughter, Marilyn Louise (Leon) Samuel-Butler.

She leaves to cherish her fondest memories, three (3) daughters, Billie (Freddie) Gaines of Pahrump, NV, Linda (Joe) Brown of Oxnard, CA and Donna (Carl) Gross of Ojai, CA. Two (2) sons, James (Diane) Samuel of Las Vegas, NV and Daryl Samuel of Newberry Park, CA. Her array of flowers: twenty-three (23) grandchildren, fifty-five (55) Great-grandchildren and sixteen (16) Great-great-grandchildren. Her three (3) sisters-in-law, Nellie Roberson, Pensacola, FL, Marie Roberson, Oxnard, CA, and Ethel Sue (Willie) Vines of Vail, AZ. Three (3) brother-in-law, Aaron Samuel of Beaumont, CA, Edward Samuel, Tucson, AZ, Arnold “Sonny” Samuel of Camarillo, CA, a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, numerous adopted Godchildren, loved ones, and a church community of dear friends around the world.