Elizabeth "Liza" Tyler Wallace Sampson

Elizabeth "Liza" Tyler Wallace Sampson, aged 57, passed away on September 7, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of love, warmth, and cherished memories. Diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer in 2023, Liza defied the odds, spending three years of quality time with the family and friends she loved most.

Born on February 20, 1969, in Wichita, Kansas, Liza grew up with a bright spirit and a compassionate heart, qualities that defined her life. Known for her kindness and devotion to those she held dear, Liza was dear to them as well.

Liza earned her bachelor’s degree in biology from Emory University and later pursued graduate studies in education at the University of Georgia. A dedicated student throughout her school years, her greatest devotion was always to the people she loved. She was a loving wife, mother, sister, and daughter, happiest when surrounded by family and fiercely loyal to those in her circle. Kind-hearted and generous, Liza accepted people just as they were. Her warmth, her steadfast love, and her unmistakable belly laugh will be deeply missed.

She was an excellent and enthusiastic cook, with dozens of well-loved, meticulously annotated cookbooks lining her shelves. She loved to bake and was especially famous for her scones. Never one to take a shortcut in the kitchen, she happily tackled complicated recipes and time-consuming projects—including chicken stock that simmered all day.

Liza was a creative force. She sewed her own prom gowns and even made her wedding dress, complete with dozens of covered buttons and hand-crocheted buttonholes down the back. She embroidered, crafted beautiful handmade gifts, and wrote heartfelt poems for the people she loved. Whatever she made, she made with remarkable skill, patience, and care.

Liza loved to work and did so from the time she was in high school. Over the years, she worked at a piece goods shop, at many restaurants—including Mellow Mushroom and DaVinci’s—and in catering. She saved her favorite job for last: selling books at Barnes & Noble. A lifelong bibliophile, she was an ardent Jane Austen fan and an avid reader of fantasy and many other genres. There could hardly have been a better place for her to spend her working days.

Liza is survived by her husband and lifelong soulmate, Robert Sampson, and their beloved son, Jackson Sampson. Jackson’s unexpected arrival later in their lives was an extraordinary gift, and he became the greatest joy of Liza’s life.

She is also survived by her parents, Joseph and Elizabeth Wallace of Woodstock, GA, and her sisters, Ann Litrel, Jane Houlihan, and Julie Sullivan.

A celebration of life gathering for Liza will be held on Sunday, September 13, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at Bernstein Funeral Home, 3195 Atlanta Highway, Athens, GA.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Liza’s memory to Books for Keeps (booksforkeeps.org/donate) or the Athens Area Humane Society (athenshumanesociety.org/donate/).

Bernstein Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.