Dorothy Padgett Sams

DOROTHY PADGETT SAMS, 78, passed away peacefully while surrounded by her loving family on Thursday, the 18 of October 2007. Born to John Millard Padgett and Alice May Padgett Heiman, the 17th of July 1929, she is a fourth generation Houstonian. Dorothy was raised by her devoted mother and stepfather, John Heiman, after her beloved father died when she was a young teen. Dorothy is a Lamar High School alumnus who graduated with distinction from Rice University (formally The Rice Institute). As a Rice student, she earned a BA in Education and also was able to pursue her Portuguese language studies at Stanford University. Dorothy retired from the Spring Branch Independent School District where she taught for many years and shared her passion for books and travel with countless loyal and enthusiastic students. She was a faithful and dedicated member of Emmanuel Episcopal Church and Daughters of the King. Like Dorothy, "Daughters" live by a Rule of Life: "We all need each other, but more, we all need the Christ in each other." Dorothy will be remembered for her soft-spoken and kind spiritual nature which was a comfort and inspiration to others. Dorothy's unconditional love will be missed by her surviving family: children Cathie Sams Holt and husband Bill, Larry Sams and wife Beth and Jennifer Sams Stanton; brother Tom Padgett; nieces Lisa Heiman and Julia Padgett Michael; nephew John Tyus Padgett; grandchildren Ashley Holt Vanar and husband Brad, Chris, Kellie, and Sara Sams and John and Katherine Stanton; and great grandchild Bailey Vanar. Another nephew, John Millard Padgett, predeceased her. Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from six o'clock until eight o'clock in the evening on Friday, the 19th of October 2007 at Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston TX. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, the 20th of October 2007 at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 15015 Memorial Drive in Houston. Interment will follow at Glenwood Cemetery 2525 Washington Avenue in Houston, TX. Family invites you to leave a message at www.mem.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Star of Hope Mission, 6897 Ardmore St Houston, TX 77054