Olivia "Sam" Colvin

Olivia ‘Sam’ Maxine Russell Colvin, 79, passed peacefully on November 11, 2021 at home in Canyon Lake, TX with family by her side. She was born to Clyde ‘Red’ Russell and Ruby Russell on December 6, 1941 in Atlanta, GA. Her father nicknamed her Sam since she was a big baby and strong like Samson of the Bible. She led her life with grace and exuberance and was a model of excellence, integrity, and service. Everyone who knew her was blessed by her beautiful smile, infectious energy, and generous spirit.

Sam met her husband of 56 years, John D. Colvin III, at Chatham High School in New Jersey. After graduating in 1959, Sam earned a B.S. in Physical Education, Health, & Recreation in 1963 from MacMurray College in Illinois. She was active in the Phi Nu Sorority and was a multi-sport athlete. After settling in San Antonio, she earned special education endorsements from Trinity University and earned her M.A. in Human Resource Development from Webster University.

In 1981, Sam began her career as a special education teacher for students with Autism in Northeast ISD at Garner Middle School, retired in 2007, and continued serving as a consultant for two years. She earned numerous awards and recognitions for her contributions to education including: Garner Middle School Teacher of the Year, Autism Society of America’s Service to Persons with Autism Award, Outstanding Contributions to the Autism Society of America Award, NEISD Superintendent’s Teacher of the Year Award, City of San Antonio’s Distinguished Educator Award, and MacMurray College Distinguished Career Award. Sam served two terms as a member of President George W. Bush’s Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities.

Another passion was her enthusiasm for German Shepherds. She owned and co-owned German Shepherds that have won prestigious national championships. She was a member of the German Shepherd Dog Club of America and Greater San Antonio, Delta Society Canine Therapy for Elderly and Disabled Persons, and was on the board of directors of the American German Shepherd Charitable Foundation.

Sam’s greatest joy came from being a wife, mother, and grandmother, serving her communities, and serving Christ. She was active in the Officers’ Wives Club, was a Boy Scout den mother, was a member of the Holy Trinity Presbyterian Church in San Antonio, and volunteered offering support for families of people with Autism. Other interests she had include exercising, gardening, taking beach vacations, attending dog shows, socializing with her many dear friends, and watching her grandchildren play sports.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Ardyce Schroth Lane, and her husband John. She is survived by her son John D. Colvin IV (Lisa) and grandchildren Molly and John V; son David Colvin (Erin) and grandchildren Jackson, Kate, and Mitchell; son Matthew Colvin (Casey) and grandchildren Brodie and Macie; sister-in-law and brother-in-law Bob and Janet Kern, beloved nieces and nephews, and her cat Derek.

A memorial service will be held at Sunset Funeral Home in San Antonio, TX on December 20, 2021 at 12:00 pm, and she will be laid to rest alongside her husband at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery at 1:30 pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the American German Shepherd Charitable Foundation https://agsdcf.com/, The Seeing Eye, Inc. https://www.seeingeye.org/, or The Autism Society of America https://www.autism-society.org/.