Lisa Ann Sampson

Bernice Lindsey McLendon. Lisa attended Anson Senior High School and graduated in 1987. Shortly after high school, she attended Shaw University, Raleigh, NC from 1988 to 1992, earning a bachelor’s degree in business management. Later pursuing and earning a Master of Arts degree in Severe Disabilities from Norfolk State University, Norfolk, VA, becoming licensed by the Virginia Department of Education to teach adapted curriculum from K-12, and certification under the Virginia Board of Professional Health as a Qualified Mental Health Professional servicing adults and children. Lisa has held over 67 jobs. She worked 26 years as a Special Education Teacher Assistant at Thurgood Marshall Elementary of Chesapeake, VA. Lisa taught disabled preschool, kindergarten, third and fourth-grade students. She was highly respected and noted as one of the most knowledgeable and resourceful teachers in the school. Lisa also worked 10 years as a Qualified Mental Health Professional and provided services to more than 10 families in her career. Her impact allowed for her to motivate many young adults to a better and more sustainable lifestyle.

Lisa was known for her honesty, loyalty, work ethic, laughter, knowledge, willingness to assist others, advocacy work, caring spirit, and love for God. One of Lisa’s greatest passions was educating others to improve the quality of their life for a better future. Lisa found joy in spending time with her daughter whom she loved dearly, family, friends, and attending church. Her love for traveling began during her younger days and continued until her declining health restricted her. Lisa’s presence at family and social functions always brought excitement. Lisa always had a story for every situation and loved educating others about their benefits, the world, and life. She touched a lot of kids and made an impact on their lives. She will be deeply missed.

Lisa is survived by her daughter, Kai’eshia Cole of Norfolk, VA; former husband, Marcus Sampson; Kai'eshia's father, Shawnte Cole; sisters: Gloria Polk of Marshville, N.C., Sara Butler (Dennis, Henry) of Monroe, N.C., and Mable McLendon of Joint Base Andrews, Md.; and brothers: Sherman McLendon, Jr. (Sandy) of Coates, Pa., Ruben (Frances) McLendon of Chesapeake, Va., David (Sonya) McLendon of Riverside, Ca., Ricky (Cassandra) McLendon of Wadesboro, N.C., Scott (Sonya) McLendon of Marshville, N.C., and Charles (Shirley) McLendon of Richmond, Va. She also leaves behind 16 nieces, 10 nephews, and a host of great and great-great nieces and nephews, along with her Aunt Elizabeth and adopted mother, Vyone Key. Lisa was preceded in death by her maternal and paternal grandparents, parents, four brothers (Benjamin, Johnny, Grant, & Robert), a brother-in-law (Jerry Polk), and one niece (Karen).

Lisa confessed to Christ and was baptized in October 1993, under the leadership of Adrien Green (Bethel Baptist Church, Fayetteville, NC), and joined Calvary Revival Church, Norfolk, VA under the leadership of Pastor David Osborne/Bishop Courtney McBath, Norfolk, VA. Her faith played a vital role in her life.

Psalms 23: The Lord is my Shepard; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures, he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul, he madeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies; thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

A memorial service to celebrate Lisa’s life will be held on Saturday, October 4th, 2025, at 1 p.m. at Woodlawn Funeral Home, 6329 E. Virginia Beach Blvd, Norfolk, VA 23502. Lisa requested that all guests wear green (It was her favorite color). Lisa doesn't prefer flowers but asks each person to donate funds to her daughter so that it can be gifted to a charity of Lisa's choice. Visitors can meet with the family after the memorial service briefly.