Maebell "Midge" Scroggins Samsel

Maebell “Midge” Scroggins Samsel passed away on Monday, May 1, 2023, at St. Catherine’s Village in Madison, Mississippi. She was born on August 15, 1940, in Yazoo City, Mississippi to Lela and Bob Scroggins. Midge graduated from Central High School in Jackson, Mississippi and thereafter obtained her Bachelor of Arts from Mississippi College. Midge was married to Howard Swinehart Samsel, a geologist, for 35 years. They enjoyed living on the Ross Barnett Reservoir in Brandon, Mississippi and traveling the world together, visiting over 50 countries in total. Midge and Howard shared many happy years together before his death in 2016.

Midge prided herself on being a hard worker and dedicated public servant. She led a successful career working as a legal secretary for the Adjutant General’s Office in Jackson, Mississippi and then the Attorney General’s Office of Mississippi. She served as President of the Jackson Legal Professionals Association (previously known as the Jackson Legal Secretaries Association). Always one to stay busy, Midge dedicated countless hours volunteering with numerous civic and charitable organizations in the Jackson-Metro area. Midge’s commitment to professional excellence and public service led to her recognition as one of Jackson’s Outstanding Volunteers by Goodwill Industries Volunteer Services, as well as a written feature in the “Marquis Who’s Who in the South and Southwest” publication.

As a lover of the arts, Midge was a committed and valued member of the Mississippi Museum of Art Auxiliary (MMAA), Mississippi Opera Guild, and Symphony League of Jackson. She was elected to various leadership positions within the MMAA, including President, and chaired numerous fundraisers, exhibits, galas, and symposiums at the Mississippi Museum of Art throughout the years. Midge specifically enjoyed assisting with the USA International Ballet Competition (IBC) hosted in Jackson every four years. Midge served on The Friends of the USA IBC Board and was an IBC Ambassador, hosting IBC jurors from South Korea and Finland twice, as well as a dance instructor from San Francisco.

Midge’s life was defined by her faith and love of family and friends. She was a lifelong member of First Baptist Church of Jackson. Midge loved playing bridge and was a member of various bridge clubs in the metro area, including Le Mercredi, Concordia, and Serendipity Bridge and Luncheon Club. She was an active member of Central High School’s Alumni Association and enjoyed coordinating class reunions with her classmates. Midge was a dedicated and loving daughter, mother, grandmother, and friend. Midge approached life with a sense of curiosity and love of adventure for the world around her. Midge was remarkably self-motivated and worked hard to provide her family with opportunities to expand their lens of the world. Midge loved travel, classical music, playing bridge, genealogy, and volunteering. She was a gracious and generous hostess and enjoyed expressing her love of family and friends by hosting gatherings often. Midge will be remembered for her kindness, generosity, and indominable spirit.

Midge is survived by her only child and daughter, Stacy Swain Ramsey of Ridgeland, MS; her only grandchildren, Melissa Ramsey Carter (Riley) of New Orleans, LA, and Laura Ramsey Liberto (Adam) of Oxford, MS; her sisters, Billie Thompson Harrell of Brandon, MS, and Bobbie Bryan (Bob) of Stillwater, OK; her sister-in-law, Annette Scroggins of Brandon, MS; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. She was preceded in death by her mother, Lela Estell Hammons Scroggins; father, Bob Scroggins; husband, Howard Swinehart Samsel; and brother, Roland Byrd Scroggins.

A visitation for Midge will be held Friday, May 12, 2023 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Parkway Funeral Home in Ridgeland, followed by a memorial service at 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church of Jackson, P.O. Box 250, Jackson, MS 39205, or the charity of your choice. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.parkwayfuneralhomeridgeland.com for Midge’s family.