Samantha Marshall

In Loving Memory,

Samantha Dayle Marshall

8-29-79 to 1-7-25

Footprints in the Sand - a Warrior's Prayer

"One night I dreamed a dream.

As I was walking along the beach with my Lord.

Across the dark sky flashed scenes from my life.

For each scene, I noticed two sets of footprints in the sand,

For each scene he noticed two sets of footprints in the sand: one belonging to him, and the other to the LORD.

When the last scene of his life flashed before him, he looked back at the footprints in the sand. He noticed that many times along the path of his life there was only one set of footprints.

He also noticed that it happened at the very lowest and saddest times in his life. This really bothered him and he questioned the LORD about it: "LORD, you said that once I decided to follow you, you'd walk with me all the way". But I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life, there is only one set of footprints. I don't understand why when I needed you most you would leave me."

The LORD replied: "My son, my precious child, I love you and I would never leave you. During your times of trial and suffering, when you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you."

On January 7, 2025 Samantha left this world, her untimely and tragic passing has left her family and friends devastated. Samantha is survived by her beloved Son Keith Ridley Jr, her brother Lauriston B Marshall IV, parents Paula and Robert Ouimette, Lauriston B Marshall III, Grandmother Eleanor Marshall, Aunts Donna Brown, Kathy Dickson, Dawn Marshall, Cheryl Marshall, Heidi Zweigle, nephew Lauriston B Marshall V and niece Navena Greene. Samantha is also survived by many cousins, great aunts, great uncles and countless friends she made her extended family including, Brandy, Pablo, Alex, Mateo and Ben Rodriquez; Jennifer and Anthony Warry; Kim, Ryan, Olivia, Camille, Jace and Mason Barror; Joel, Jessica, Ava and Landon Fletcher, and Edwin Canelo.

Samantha loved her son Keith beyond words, her pride and devotion evident to anyone that knew her. Her greatest joy in life was spending time together and reliving the memories, which always brought many laughs. She brought the same joy to so many she encountered in her life. To become her friend, was to be family, to know the warmth of her love and care was truly a gift. Everyone that was blessed to know her felt this wrapped around them. She was always there for others, always putting others first. In times of trouble and times of celebration, you would find Sam leading the gathering, holding the group together and orchestrating the party. Making memories and laughing about them later. Inside jokes, movie quotes, one-liners, heated game nights, Uno games, hoodies, music, taking photos, watching Keith's football games and loving on 'nieces and nephews' or her pup Lady, all things that brought her happiness and laughter.

A remarkable soul, Samantha brought light into the room, her presence emanated beauty, a rare beauty, one of depth and truth. She lent her strength to others in their need, held them close and supported them. Samantha had the ability to guide others to find their inner strength, their passion, their purpose and help them achieve their goals. She went far beyond helping others, she taught them how to help themselves. She believed in continuing education, trade, athletic or scholastic, and guided many to find their success.

Sam followed the belief of 'It Takes a Village', she built the village around her son, created the bonds that will continue to support Keith and honor Sam. Sam was the definition of selfless, kindness, uplifting and love. She was a difference maker, impacting others with a significant effect improving the life of others. A motivator, inspirational and committed. She was a mother, daughter, granddaughter, sister, aunt, niece, cousin, friend and mentor. She loved with all her heart and soul and in turn, was loved, deeply and unconditionally.

Sam found herself in helping the youth she loved, her academic achievements laid the foundation for her success. Sam's degrees include A.S. Liberal Arts, North Shore Community College; B.A. Counseling Psychology, Lesley University; M.S. Industrial and Organizational Psychology, Salem State University and Master's Certificate Non-Profit Human Service Management, Suffolk University. The knowledge and experiences inspired countless youth. She taught the skills to believe in yourself, to set goals and met them, to challenge yourself, to forgive mistakes, to reach for the stars and soar above them, and most importantly, to love each other.

Samantha's family invites you to a celebration of her beautiful life on February 2, 2025 at Classical High School 235 O'Callaghan Way, Lynn Massachusetts 01905 from 2:00 to 5:00p.m. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to go fund me: https://gofund.me/36bfe601 Honoring Samantha's Selfless Legacy.

Samantha had recently moved to Florida, a celebration of life in Florida will be announced soon.