Earlene June Sams

Earlene June Sams, age 88, passed away on July 9, 2026, in Highland, Illinois. She resided in Belleville, Illinois. Born April 27, 1938, in East Saint Louis, Illinois, Earlene was the daughter of Earl Clifton Oliver and Mildred Maxine Oliver (nee Kibler). Throughout her life, she was deeply beloved and cherished, remembered with enduring affection for the compassionate, kind-hearted way she met the world and cared for those around her.

Earlene was a beautician, and she took genuine delight in having her hair done—an enjoyment that reflected her warmth and spirit. At the nursing facility where she resided, she was lovingly known as “Ms. Beautiful,” a name that spoke to the esteem and tenderness she inspired in others. She enjoyed outings and time in nature, and Sundays held a special place in her routine, when her daughters Rhonda and Becky would take her to Glik Park in Highland.

Earlene was preceded in death by her parents, Earl and Mildred Oliver; her husband, Paul C. Sams; stepson, Steven (Cindy - living) Sams; and brother, William (Dorothy - living) Oliver.

She is survived by her children, Rhonda Miller (Bobby Corbin), Rebecca (Robert) Capkovic; stepchildren, Charlotte (Mark) Knox, Delores (Kevin) Forshee, and Martha (Bob) Ellis; brother, Robert (Emmy) Oliver; nephew, Robert Oliver, Jr.; step-grandchildren; her best friend for 60 years, Barb Johnston; and her special fur friend, “Tyler.”

Special thanks to the staff at Highland Medical Care Center for your exemplary care for our mother.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Belleville Humane Society.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at 10:00am at Lake View Funeral Home, 5000 N Illinois Street, Fairview Heights, Illinois 62208. The service will immediately follow the visitation.