Ruth Lever Sample

1934 - 2023

Ruth Lever Sample

November 15, 1934 - October 26, 2023

Charlotte, North Carolina - Ruth Sample passed away peacefully on October 26, 2023 at her home in the Aldersgate UMC Retirement Community surrounded by family. Ruth was born on November 15, 1934 in McConnells, SC to the late Marion Davis Lever and Ruth Ashe Lever. She was raised in the rambling farmhouse in McConnells that has served as her family's homeplace for generations to this day.

Ruth graduated from Winthrop University with a degree in early childhood education. She then attended the Presbyterian School of Christian Education in Richmond, VA to pursue a master's degree in Christian Education. While there, she met the future Rev Dr. James Preston Sample, III (Jim) of Charlotte who was attending Union Theological Seminary next door.

Ruth initially began a career in church work, serving as a Director of Christian Education. She and Jim were married on August 3, 1963, and she joined him in Danville, VA where he pastored a pair of Presbyterian churches. Their partnership in ministry later took them to Presbyterian churches in Chester, SC, Cedar Grove, NC, Sanford, NC and Harrisburg, NC, where Jim served for 19 years. Ruth fulfilled every conceivable role a pastor's wife could: Sunday school teacher, youth leader, music ministry, grief counselor, hospitality coordinator, Vacation Bible School director, Cub Scout den leader, etc - and most importantly, faithful prayer warrior. Along the way, she also began teaching in public schools, teaching Kindergarten, 4th grade, and finally 3rd grade, finishing her career at Winecoff Elementary School in Concord, NC.

Ruth and Jim initially retired to Davidson on Lake Norman and then in 2005 they moved to Aldersgate where they were active members of the community for many years. Ruth enjoyed many friendships and community activities on the Parker Terrace assisted living floor following Jim's passing in 2021. In retirement, she became a covenant partner of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Charlotte.

Ruth was preceded in death by Jim, her husband of 59 years, siblings Ina Elizabeth Lever Frame (Lib) of McConnells, Marion Davis Lever, Jr. of Summerville, SC, and Lt. Col. James Herbert Lever of McConnells. She is survived by sons Davis Sample and wife Carol of Charlotte and Mark Sample and wife Linda of New London, NC, and two grandchildren Healey Sample Macoy and her husband Mac of Atlanta and Hunter Bradford Sample and fiancé Hannah Benkeser of Charlotte. She is also survived by beloved nieces and nephews whom she loved like her own children.

Our precious Ruth will be remembered fondly as a loving and compassionate mother, grandmother and aunt, and for all the ways she "served the Lord with gladness" throughout her life. She and Jim enjoyed relaxing at Lake Norman and taking beach trips every summer and drives to the mountains every fall, as well as numerous international travels.

Ruth and Jim developed lifetime friendships from the churches they served and from Ruth's years in education, and Ruth is especially thankful for the many wonderful friends that enriched their time at Aldersgate. The family also wishes to thank all the staff at Aldersgate for the years of loving care they provided to both of them.

A memorial service will be held in the Fellowship Hall at Aldersgate on November 11, 2023 at 2pm. Memorial gifts may be made to the Aldersgate Residents Assistance Fund, 3800 Shamrock Drive, Charlotte NC 28215 or to Hospice and Palliative Care of the Charlotte Region or to the church of your choice.