Dorothy Crisp Sams

SAMS, DOROTHY CRISP - age 89, departed this life on August 20, 2011, in Panama City, Florida, where she had been residing for the past 5 years. She was born and lived in Knoxville all of her life, attended Graystone Presbyterian Church, where she was a member for 68 years and served as the secretary, taught Sunday School, was one of the kitchen "angels" and was an elder. She was devoted to the church and gave much of her time. She also was very active in the Home Builders Assn. of Knoxville. Of course, being a mother of 5, she was always busy car-pooling, attending PTA meetings, baton, dance, football, piano, girl scouts, boy scouts, etc. She never missed an event. She loved bridge, was a very accomplished piano player and was wonderful with crafting, sewing, knitting, along with many other talents. She was always making or doing something for someone else. There was not much that she did not pursue. She even acquired her real estate license after her children were grown. She was predeceased by her parents, George and Minnie Crisp, husband, Billie D. Sams, a daughter, Donita Jane and a daughter, Debra Lynn, who passed away on May 5, 2011, who had been residing in Ft Lauderdale, Florida. Survivors include daughters, Donna Sams McCrary of Panama City, Florida and Denise Maness and husband, Kyle of Knoxville, Tennessee, a son, Jerome Thomas Sams of Knoxville, Tennessee. A brother-in-law, Gordon Sams and wife, Nancy of Knoxville. Several Nieces and nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She will be missed very much by all who knew her. A memorial service will be held at Berry's Funeral Home on Saturday, August 27, 2011 from 4-6 pm. We want to thank Covenant Hospice and the Glencove Nursing Pavillion in Panama City, Florida for their love and support during this difficult time. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Hospice.