Martha M. Sams

July 18, 1915-March 25, 2011

Martha McNeely Sams passed away on Friday, March 25, 2011. She was born at Presbyterian Hospital in Charlotte on July 18, 1915 to the late Samuel Stevenson McNeely and Flora Parker McNeely. Martha was proud to be a native Charlottean. She grew up in downtown Charlotte and told stories of helping “jerk soda” at the Tryon Drug Company which was owned and operated by her father. Martha was a talented musician who played the piano as students assembled for Chapel each day at Old Central High School and Spencerian Business College. Prior to marriage, Martha worked as the executive secretary to the Director of the Salvation Army and later in the insurance industry.

Martha married Arthur Raoul Sams, Jr. on September 28, 1940 and they celebrated their seventieth wedding anniversary this past fall. They were married in Second Presbyterian Church by Dr. John A. Redhead. In 1953, Martha and Arthur built their home in Foxcroft which was a new development with streets yet to be paved. They resided there for fifty years until they moved in 2003 to Sharon Towers, the Presbyterian Home in Charlotte.

Martha was a charter member of Covenant Presbyterian Church where she was very active prior to her declining health. She was a member of the Couples Sunday School Class, Women of the Church Circle, and volunteered with the Children’s Programs and Community Outreach. Martha made many lasting friends as a member of the Foxcroft Garden Club, Charlotte, Swim and Racquet Club, Bridge Club and her Book Club. She enjoyed needlepoint and knitting and created many beautiful sweaters and other keepsakes for her family.

Martha was affectionately known as “MaMa” to her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was a true Southern Lady who was greatly loved and will be greatly missed.

In addition to her parents, Martha was preceded in death by her sister, Sara Parker McNeely and three brothers; Samuel Stevenson McNeely, Jr., Ralph Parker McNeely, and Henry McNeely.

Surviving are her husband and their three daughters; Sara Parker Sams of Charlotte, Martha Barnwell Sams and her husband Michael Joseph Eads of Fort Mill, SC, and Susan Raoul Sams and her husband A. T. Allen, III of Raleigh, NC. Also surviving are three grandchildren; Caren Ashley McClelland Lindberg and her husband Kelly Lindberg of Lake Wylie, SC, Michael Thomas Allen and Meredith Mackenzie Allen of Raleigh and two great grandchildren; Brandon Michael Cooper of Charlotte and McKenzie Anna Lindberg of Lake Wylie, SC.

A graveside service will be held at 2 PM Monday, March 28, 2011 at Evergreen Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a charity of your choice.