Born on December 10, 1939, in Waxahachie, Texas, Sammie built a life defined by determination, creativity, faith, joy, and devotion to family. She became a licensed cosmetologist and continued her education at Mountain View College. With an entrepreneurial spirit and a natural gift for nurturing others, she successfully operated a daycare where children felt safe, cared for, and loved.
Sammie lived by the promise, "No weapon formed against you shall prosper." These words reflected the strength and faith with which she faced life. She encouraged those around her to remain hopeful, stand strong, and never allow hardship to have the final word.
Above all, she loved love. She believed in giving it freely, celebrating it joyfully, and making sure the people around her felt it. Sammie knew how to make life beautiful and every gathering memorable. She enjoyed crafting, painting, dancing, playing cards, throwing parties, entertaining, and simply having fun. Whether she was creating something with her hands, moving to the music, or filling a room with laughter, she understood that life was meant to be celebrated.
Known throughout her community as a neighborhood mom, Sammie welcomed others with an open heart and an open door. Her home was a place where people could find comfort, kindness, encouragement, and a helping hand. She did not limit the meaning of family to relatives alone; she made room in her heart and home for anyone who needed love and support.
Of all her accomplishments, Sammie's greatest and most beautiful creation was her family. She leaves to cherish her memory her daughters, Pamela Lacy and Gayla Murphy; her grandchildren, Keeshun Murphy, Yamesse Lacy, Kameka Lacy, Gary Thurman Murphy Jr., Corey Murphy, Anthony Lacy II, and Kendra Murphy; 12 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great-grandchildren; and all of the Van Dyke family.
She shared an important chapter of her life with Willie Murphy, the father of her children, and later with her former husband, Willie Dowell.
Sammie was preceded in death by her father, John Dillinger Wade; her mother, Ethel Davis Dykes; her brother, Paul Henry Wade; and her beloved son, Gary Murphy.
Sammie's life will be remembered through the children she cared for, the family she nurtured, the celebrations she created, and the countless people she welcomed through her door. Everyone who spent time with her will cherish the laughter, wisdom, joy, and love she so freely gave. Her spirit will live on whenever family and friends gather, music begins to play, cards are dealt, or laughter fills a room.
Though Sammie will be deeply missed, her strength, creativity, faith, and generous love remain woven into every generation of the beautiful family and community she helped create. She loved love, and she taught others how to share it. To her grandchildren, she was Dear - and to everyone blessed to know her, she always will be.
