“Sammie” Elizabeth Cupp, age 90, passed away on July 26, 2026. Born March 17, 1936, Sammie was a resident of Knoxville, Tennessee. She will be remembered with deep respect and enduring affection by all who were blessed to know her.
Sammie graduated from Young High School in 1954, continued her studies at the Baptist School of Nursing, and also attended the University of Tennessee. A woman of steady purpose and unwavering integrity, she carried her strong work ethic into every season of life, meeting each new challenge with quiet determination and a sincerity that earned trust wherever she went.
Over the years, Sammie served as Secretary of Mt. Olive Elementary School and later became a business owner alongside her husband Bill. In a testament to her devotion and perseverance, she later chose to major in nursing and became a Registered Nurse, serving at Baptist Hospital in the Emergency Room and 2 Central. Her care for others was never merely professional; it reflected a faithful heart and a lifelong habit of showing up for people with honesty, reliability, and practical help when it mattered most.
Sammie was married to her high school sweetheart, William “Bill” Cupp, for 54 years. Her devotion to family was evident in the way she loved—steadfastly, generously, and with a warmth that could be both comforting and, at just the right moment, touched with her gentle humor.
A devoted Christian woman, Sammie was active in her church and gave her time in service to others as a Sunday School teacher and Vacation Bible School food coordinator. She also served as Mt. Olive Senior trip coordinator. Her faith was not only something she professed, but something she lived—through loyalty, consistent service, and a readiness to help anyone in need.
Sammie was preceded in death by her father, James Henry; her mother, Mary Rudder Henry; her husband, William “Bill” Cupp; her sisters, Peggy Ann Henry, Mary Lou Henry, and Barbara Smith (Leslie); her brother-in-law, Bill Harper; her son-in-law, Kenneth Helms; and her grandson, William Marcel Cupp.
She is survived by her sisters, Martha Harper and Susie Shelton (Wayne); her daughters, Debbie Helms and Teresa Cupp; her grandchildren, Beth Shahan, David Helms, and Maricela Villegas (Nick); her great-grandchildren, Macy (Jeff), Vicki, Eli, and Deklyn; her great-great-grandchildren, Kylie, Lauraleigh, Levi, and Charlotte; her life-long best friend, Faye “Margo” Margolaski; and several nieces and nephews.
The family would like to express sincere gratitude for her occupational therapist, Christina Ott, for the care and kindness shown.
Sammie’s life was marked by faithful devotion—to God, to family, and to the everyday work of loving people well. Her legacy will remain in the lives she touched, the service she offered, and the steady goodness she brought into the world.
Family and friends will gather Friday July 31, 2026 at 10:45am for an 11:00am Graveside Service at Mt. Olive Baptist Church South, 2500 Maryville Pike, Knoxville, TN 37920.
