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Samuel Josiah Tompkins Obituary

Samuel Josiah Tompkins, 19, of Jacksonville, died on August 3, 2014 at his home in Vero Beach, FL. He was born Feb 10, 1995 in Jacksonville to Jennifer Tompkins Davis. He attended Cathedral of the Cross Christian School through 6th grade where he played basketball and baseball and was a 2013 graduate of Jacksonville High School, where he was a member of the tennis team, baseball team, FCCLA, and elected a class favorite his senior and other years. He enjoyed skateboarding and being with his friends. The taking of his own life was Sam's last act in a fight with depression, which belied his contagious smile. His friends have said that "no one didn't like Sam" and it seemed his mission in life was to make others happy and cheer them up when they were sad. His own struggles bore the fruit of an authentic hug that brought comfort to many. "Sweetest young man", "smiled all the time", "very polite and respectful" are some of the thoughts that will accompany the joyful memories of our Sammy – our Sam-I-Am – our Samuel. He is survived by his mom, Jennifer; dad, Gerald Young; two younger sisters, Victoria and Elliana; step-brother, Noah Davis; Grandfather, James Tompkins; Grandmothers Janice Miller and Jacqueline Young; Great-Grandmother Mary O. Jackson; Aunts, June Tompkins, Nicole Holder, Noelle (Bruce) Arnold, Gerquina (Anthony) Taylor, Brandy (Jamaal) Cook; and Uncles, Jimmy (Melea) Tompkins and Jonathan (Lori) Tompkins. He is preceded in death by his step-father, Charles Elliott Davis; Grandmother, Judy Tompkins. Service will be at Word Alive International Outreach, 122 Allendale Road, Oxford, today. Visitation will be at 4 p.m. with the memorial service starting at 5 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider donations to the JHS Tennis Team. Also, the family would like to request that if you struggle with depression or any form of mental illness that you talk with someone about it and get the help you need. You don't have to be alone and depression is treatable and not a sign of weakness.

Published by The Anniston Star on Aug. 9, 2014.
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Memories and Condolences
for Samuel Josiah Tompkins

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Jennifer and family,

I'm not sure if you remember me, but I'm the second of the Ward family. My heart aches for your loss. Your message to those who are struggling with depression is both courageous and selfless in this heartbreaking time of your life. May Samuel rest in peace and finally be free from the bondage of depression. I'll be praying for your family.

julia benitez

August 13, 2014

Dear Jennifer, My heart became so full as I read Samuel's obituary. I admire your courage and honesty in sharing with others about his battle with depression; I am thankful that you are using this for the good of others. May God hold you close and comfort you, your girls and family. I knew you at COTC. Sending love through prayers. Elaine Meacham

August 10, 2014

I'm so sorry for your loss. I do understand what your family is going through, as my 16 year old grandson took his life on June 20. I also chose to share his cause of death. My thoughts and prayers are with the family as you travel this journey of grief and loss.

Carol Welch

August 10, 2014

I sure remember this young man who came to maddies house to swim,I am maddies grandmother ,so sorry, you have a great young man,will be praying for family.love and prayers from the Ludviks,my love to you all.

Rose Ludvik

August 10, 2014

So Sorry For Loss,Will be praying for you and your Family! I didn't know him personally,But Have Heard Alot Of Wonderful Thing's ABOUT This Young Man,May GOD BLESS YOU AND FAMILY In Your Time OF GRIEF!!
PRAYING FOR YOU AN FAMILY!

J Taylor

August 10, 2014

Sam-I-am your such a beautiful soul! Jennifer I am so sorry for your loss. My son was friends with yours and his sorrow for you and your family is spoken through me since he is in Arkansas and could not be here. I so proud that you decided to speak on depression, it is so real, so debilitating, and so hard to fight! I am truly sorry that Sam's fight came to such a young end. He now rest with the angels that watch over you and his little sisters. I know you can't wait to see him again! May Gods peace and comfort surround you and your family. We will never forget and always love you Sam!

DeLisa, Jasmyn, Dominique Thomas (Hayes)

August 10, 2014

You'll be missed by several Sam.

Haley's Snider

August 10, 2014

My God keep him as your angle that watches over u always peace be still.

Harriet Woods

August 10, 2014

My love and prayers are with you.
God bless you with His peace and grace to carry you through this very difficult time. You never get over loosing a child but you do get through it with God's help. God bless you and your family,

Linda Brodrecht

August 9, 2014

So sorry for your loss. He sounds like an outstanding young man. Praying that God wraps his loving arms around you and your family granting peace and comfort to you all.

Sherry Humphrey

August 9, 2014

Prayers for peace during this difficult time. We knew Sam for a short time while living in Jacksonville, but he was such a pleasant young man to be around. Heart-broken.
The Marbuts, Chelsea, AL

Mary Marbut

August 9, 2014

My heart goes out to Jennifer and the family. May every hand that is extended out touch you in a way that will give you the comfort you need during this time of sorrow and know that you are never alone. With deepest sympathies and many prayers, God Bless.

Mandy Dickens

August 9, 2014

Praying for your continued strength during this time of sorrow. No words will truly comfort you, but know that God hears your heart, and knows your grief.

Jimmy & Marci Nix

August 9, 2014

Jennifer,
Your Samuel sounds like such wonderful young man. I'm sure he touched a lot of lives in his short time here.
You were lucky to have him and he was lucky to have such a wonderful mom.
My love and prayers are with you.

Debra Hicks

August 9, 2014

Our sincerest condolences in your time of grief.
The Dew family

William Dew

August 9, 2014

Prayers for the family.

Shirley Smith

August 9, 2014

I really just can't believe it. Every memory I have of him from Cathedral is of him having the biggest smiles and causing the biggest amounts of laughter. I believe that was because he never wanted anyone to suffer as he did. We all love you. Fly high Sam.

Amber Etheridge

August 9, 2014

God Bless you and yours as you grieve and also rejoice in the absolute beauty of Precious Samuel. Continued prayers for all blessed to know him. Love sent your way.

Renee Azbell

August 9, 2014

I am praying for your sweet family. Patsy McKinney

August 9, 2014

Jennifer and Family, I am praying so hard for peace and comfort for you. I am so sorry for your loss.

Kim Robinson

August 9, 2014

We are praying that God give you the strength needed. We will continue to lift you guys up in prayer.

Mr. & Mrs. Weston

August 9, 2014

Our hearts go out to you all. What a terrible loss of one so precious. We have loved the Tompkins and Albea families for many years. Our prayers are with you all.

Stan and Sandra Willis

August 9, 2014

Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.

Rodney&Gwen McMillian

August 9, 2014

Terri Atkinson

August 9, 2014

Our family has an understanding of the struggles of depression. We have also been in your shoes, with my kids mother taking her life as a result. May God bless us all in our journey in this life and Sams spirit in the life here after.. your family is in our thoughts and prayers....

bryan jamison

August 9, 2014

I loved that sweet boy!!! He was one of my favorite students at Cathedral Christian Scool!!! His smile was contagious and his personality was so bubbly!!! The last time I saw him, he was a teenager...all grown!!! He screamed my name and grinned that sweet smile, as he hugged me with all that love!!!!! Who would have ever imagined that such a precious one would struggle with depression!!! But God loves Samuel even more than we do...so I am comforted with the fact that nothing can separate us from His Love!!! My prayers and love are with all of you!!!

Sherie Cantley

August 9, 2014

My heart is heavy but I offer my prayers to Samuel's family in this time. Such a sweet person.

Tia Pendleton

August 9, 2014

Go rest high on that mountain....son your work on earth is done...I love you Jennifer and your family...I pray peace for you today..Kelly Burgess

Kelly Burgess

August 9, 2014

Oh my. As a Mom, I will lift you and Samuel and your family up. Thank You for being so frank and truthful about Depression. I am unashamedly a Depression Survivor who never misses her meds. Jennifer and family, Sam is happy and with our Lord today God Bless.

Brenda Brothers

August 9, 2014

Good night Sweet Prince, see you on the other side! Auntie Loves You!

Nicole Young-Holder

August 9, 2014

Keeping this precious family in my prayers!

shannon smith

August 9, 2014

Fly high sweet boy my thoughts and prayers are with the whole family in this time of loss. I love you all.

kristy butler lipham

August 9, 2014

The Crafts. Jesse, Tina, Dakota & Dallas. We knew you for such a short time but you will be greatly missed.Your smile & your presence shall be with us always

August 9, 2014

I love you Sam.....

Brandy Cook

August 9, 2014

I will always remember how he took care of his sisters, especially Elli. He would always come pick her up from my Sunday school class. She was always so excited to see him. He will be forever in our hearts! Our love and prayers go out to Jennifer, Victoria and Elli!

August 9, 2014

Too young to be gone. Such a sweet gentleman that I'll always remember with a smile.

Pattie Fuester

August 9, 2014

So sorry for your loss. What a wonderful testiment with his obituary to make people aware of depression. May God hold you in His arms and keep you strong.

Candace Williams

August 9, 2014

Samuel will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to him and his family. I remember him as a sweet little boy who went to school with my son for several years. Whenever I came into the school for an activity, he was always the first one to run up and give a hug. He always had a ready smile, that could light up any room. I grieve for the loss of a life, especially one so young.

Sonya Blair

August 8, 2014

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