Sammye Sanford Sessions

Sammye Sanford Sessions was born on August 17, 1943, in Winters, Texas. Her mother, Neta Sanford, traveled from Ville Platte, Louisiana to Winters specifically so her daughter could be born in West Texas.
Sammye was raised in Ville Platte, in the heart of Cajun Country, where her father, Harry Sanford, began working for Continental Oil Company in 1942. Her mother, Neta, was a beloved fixture in the community, running the Boulevard Café in Ville Platte.
An energetic and athletic young woman, Sammye excelled in basketball, gymnastics, and volleyball. She was active in 4-H, served on the pep squad, and was honored to be on the homecoming court at Ville Platte High School.
Growing up in Evangeline Parish, Sammye embraced Cajun culture wholeheartedly. She attended local festivals with her dear friends Phyllis, Defline, and Betty Pete, and developed a lifelong love for Cajun food, music, and traditions. Even into adulthood, she cherished every opportunity to return to Ville Platte to reconnect with friends and relive cherished memories.
In 1961, Sammye attended Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, Louisiana. There, she met Ferrell Max Yarbrough, the father of her three children. Sammye was on the homecoming court and the Dance Line at Northwestern, and she and Ferrell married in 1962. Together they raised three children: Shannon, Stacey, and Branden.
Sammye was a devoted and involved mother, always encouraging her children to try new things-even when they were hesitant. She took them on road trips through the Smoky Mountains, the hills of West Texas, and even to Nashville, Tennessee. Sammye was her children's greatest champion, always cheering them on. She also passed down her love of Cajun cooking to both her children and grandchildren.
In 1992, at the age of 52 and with the encouragement of loved ones, Sammye returned to school. She enrolled as a non-traditional student at Texas State University in San Marcos and earned her Bachelor of Arts in Social Work in 1994. She continued her studies and proudly earned a Master's Degree in Social Work, becoming a Licensed Master Social Worker.
Sammye began a meaningful second career with the State of Texas Child Protective Services Division, where she spent 18 years advocating for children-investigating abuse claims, attending court hearings, and making a difference in countless lives. After a long and impactful career, she retired from the State of Texas.
Following her retirement, Sammye moved to The Retreat in Wylie, Texas, a 55-and-over retirement community. There, she thrived-participating in water aerobics, playing Bunco with friends, and traveling extensively with her dear friend Sandy to places like Portugal, Panama, Mackinac Island, Washington, D.C., and Mount Rushmore. Even as her health declined, Sammye remained active in helping others, transporting neighbors to appointments and running errands.
Sammye's family extends heartfelt thanks to her niece Janet Brown for taking her to appointments at MD Anderson and helping with personal care, and to Mellanie Brown for picking up medications and hosting Sammye's family during hospital stays. Deep thanks also go to her dear friend Geri Hoyt for helping manage Sammye's home and finances, and to the many friends at The Retreat who prayed and supported Sammye during her illness.
Sammye is survived by her children: Shannon Yarbrough and partner Sal Castillo of Garland, TX; Stacey Nilsen of McKinney, TX; and Branden Yarbrough and wife Andrea of Henderson, NV. She was a wonderful "Meemom" to her grandchildren: Cody Johnson and wife Hannah of Plano, TX; McKensey Johnson of Plano, TX; Addisyn Nilsen of McKinney, TX; Dylan Yarbrough and Allison Yarbrough of Henderson, NV; an amazing "Granny" to her two great-grandchildren, Wyatt and Graham Johnson of Plano, TX; and a fun "Aunt Sammye" to many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Neta Sanford, and her sister, Rita Ratcliff.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, May 22, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Rest Haven Funeral Home, 2500 State Highway 66 East, Rockwall, TX 75087. A Celebration of Life will follow at 2:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Sammye's memory to Pleasant Valley United Methodist Church, 3015 Pleasant Valley Rd, Sachse, TX 75048.