Elizabeth Juanita Sales Sams

Elizabeth Juanita Sales Sams, a devoted homemaker and cherished matriarch, passed peacefully at her home in Leicester on Monday, November 17, 2025, surrounded by her family. Born on October 7, 1931, in Fairview, she lived a life rich in love, family, and community.

Elizabeth graduated from Erwin High School and dedicated herself to caring for her family. She had a nurturing spirit, pouring her heart into her home and the lives of her loved ones. Her passion for gardening allowed her to cultivate not only vegetables but also lasting memories, as she enjoyed sharing her harvest with family and friends. Additionally, she found joy in watching birds, often finding solace in their presence.

She is survived by her beloved children: Dennis Sams and his wife Karen, and Karen Marie Webb and her husband Ray Dean. Elizabeth was a proud grandmother to William Forest Sams and his wife Anna, Nathan Thomas Sams and his wife Lauren, Lindsey Beth Fetrow and her husband Kevin, Todd Dean Webb and his wife Kim, Donald Ray Webb and his wife Mary, and Anita Marie Webb Fillers and her husband Josh. Elizabeth also cherished her role as great-grandmother to Addie, Eliza, Vivian, Cyrus, Sofia, Cora, Piper, Zekaryah, Asher, Kohen, Gideon, Jackson, Marshall, Juliet, and Rayna. She is also survived by many extended family members who will forever hold her memory dear.

Elizabeth was preceded in death by her husband, Frank "Bud" Riley Sams; her parents, Forest Weldon Sales and Ella Mae Taylor Sales; and her brother, James Weldon Sales.

The family invites friends to gather for visitation on Sunday, November 23, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 1:45 PM, followed by a funeral service at 2:00 PM at Western Chapel Church, located at 575 S Turkey Creek Road, Leicester, NC, 28748. Her grandson, Rev. Nathan Sams will officiate with burial to follow in the church cemetery. Pallbearers will be: Forest Sams, Todd Webb, Donald Webb, Terry Reed, Josh Filler, and Mike Meadows.

Elizabeth Juanita Sales Sams leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and devotion that will continue to inspire all who knew her. Her spirit will always be a guiding light in the hearts of her family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the Western Chapel Church Cemetery Fund, Care of Brenda McIntosh, 30 Rusty Wheel Way, Leicester, NC, 28748.

Anders Rice & Roper Funeral Home and Cremation Center is honored to serve the Sams family.