Sam A Alston

Sam Avent Alston, also known as "Sam the Man", 84 of Millville, New Jersey received his wings on December 9, 2025 after a brief illness. Born on December 26, 1940, to Betty Maude Drake and Leroy Alston in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. Sam lived a full and active life defined by love, service, and an unwavering devotion to family and community.

Sam loved the Lord and gave his life to Christ at an early age. Sam was a member of Union Baptist Temple where he served as Chairman of the Trustee Board. He was also actively involved in the Men's Choir and the Media Ministry always willing to serve wherever he was needed. Sam offered his time, leadership, and heart to the congregation he loved.

Sam was a graduate of Nash County High School in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. Following graduation, he proudly served his country as a paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division of the United States Army during the 1960s. After his honorable discharge from the military, Sam relocated to New Jersey, where he built a long and dedicated career. He was employed by JP Leeks Boat Works, Garwood Mills, and Atlantic City Electric, from which he retired after 25 years of service. Retirement didn't slow him down, instead, Sam continued doing the work he loved, spending nearly 30 years as a contractor alongside his close friend Larry Robinson.

In 1985, Sam met the love of his life, Jayne. The two were married on September 24,1994 in Kissimmee, Florida and continued to share 40 beautiful years together. Their bond was steadfast, joyful, and rooted in deep mutual care.

Known for his extraordinary skills with cars, home projects, and anything mechanical, Sam was the person everyone called when something needed to be fixed. There was truly nothing Sam couldn't repair or create with his hands, and not to forget his exceptional culinary skills. Everyone knew that Sam could "burn in the kitchen".

Sam touched the lives of everyone he met. His bright smile, warm presence, and infectious laugh brought joy into every room. Sam was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and godfather whose love knew no bounds.

Sam leaves behind a legacy of kindness, craftsmanship, and deep connection-a legacy that will continue to live on in the countless people he helped, inspired, and loved. Sam will be profoundly missed and forever remembered.

Sam leaves to cherish his memories: his loving wife of 31 years Jayne (Mansfield) Alston of Millville, New Jersey; his son Darrell Alston (Pam) of Mays Landing, New Jersey; his daughter Shannon Vargas (Erik) of Bear, Delaware; Daughter/Granddaughter Ciera Lindsey of Millville, New Jersey; grandson Kasim Moore of Mays Landing, New Jersey; Granddaughter Alesha Monet Alston of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; great grandchildren Frank Jr., Leroy III, La'Niyah, Chanele (who pop-pop said was "pretty as a peach" whenever he saw her) of Millville, New Jersey; Nephews Tony Alston (Nichole), Brian Jennings (Jewel), and great nephew Prince Alston. God Children Amber Watts, Senkiya Harris, and Anthony Mosley; Special friend Larry Robinson and a host of relatives and friends.

Sam was predeceased by his mother Betty Maude Drake, father Leroy Alston, brothers Harold Alston and James Alston, sister Marion Alston, and stepdaughter Chanele Mansfield.

Sam will be profoundly missed and forever remembered.