I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. 2 Timothy 4:7-8
Kathryn “Kathy” Jean Sample, age 84, of Johnson City, Tennessee, passed away on Friday, January 31, 2020 at Cornerstone Village of Johnson City, TN. She was born in Prestonsburg, Kentucky, a daughter of the late Bradie Shepherd and Willie Mae Blackburn Shepherd. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Howard D. Sample, Sr.; and one granddaughter, Nora Sample.
Kathryn was a Christian and a member of the Assemblies of God. She was a retired assembly line worker from General Motors in Rochester, NY. She loved spending time with her family, listening to music of all genres, especially Elvis Presley, Dean Martin, and Kenny Rogers. She also loved Christian music, especially Carman and Michael Combs. She was an avid reader, loved to take walks and going shopping. Kathryn was an incredibly strong woman, but tender and compassionate to everyone she met. She loved Jesus, her family, her friends and Elvis quite fiercely. She was an animated storyteller, and a beautiful soul who brought love and joy to everyone she met. She loved children and worked in church nurseries and taught Sunday school for many years. She loved her sweets and coffee. Kathryn had a beautiful smile and sweet spirit, which will be missed by all. We know she is with her Jesus, enjoying her Heavenly home and waiting for us to join her there.
She is survived by one daughter, Naomi Walker and husband Gary; two sons, Howard D. Sample, Jr., and Mark Sample and wife Lauren; five grandchildren, Rebecca Hope and husband Michael, Jillian Rogers and husband Melvin, Erica Summers and husband Nathan, Nathaniel and Audrey Sample; six great-grandchildren, Hannah and Zachariah Hope, Gary, Joelle and Camille Rogers, and Jacob Summers; three sisters, Madge Marcello, Edna Robinson, and Lydia Hackworth; special aunt, Josephine Steffens; and several nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends Saturday, February 8, 2020 from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM at Monte Vista Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life Service will follow with her granddaughter Jillian Rogers officiating.
A Private Committal Service and Interment will be held in the Garden of Peace at Monte Vista Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the Alzheimer’s Tennessee Northeast Tennessee Office, 2319 Browns Mill Road, Suite D6, Johnson City, TN 37604.
The family would like to extend special thanks to the staff at Cornerstone Village North and South, and to the staff of Caris Hospice for all their love and care that was shown.
Arrangements especially for Mrs. Kathryn “Kathy” Jean Sample and her family have been made through Monte Vista Funeral Home & Memorial Park, 1900 E. Oakland Avenue, Johnson City, TN; 423-282-2631.
