Mary Ellen Sams

Mary Ellen Sams, age 75, went to be with the Lord on Monday July 13th, 2020. Mary Ellen was born in Pensacola, FL in August of 1944 to the late Paul L White and Marie “Tootie” L. White who moved here from Brainerd, Minnesota in 1939 to support the war effort at Naval Civil Service. Mary Ellen attended Saint John the Evangelist Catholic Church and School prior to graduating from Catholic High in 1962. She worked for Felk Moving and Storage van line and attended LPN school. Mary Ellen met her husband Michael “Mickey” M. Sams at an Explorer Post 8 sock hop, where her mother’s Girl Scout troop co-hosted. After many years of courting and sharing the love of dancing, they started their 54 years of marriage in September of 1965. She worked 4 years worth of graveyard shifts at Johnson City Tennessee Memorial Hospital, while putting Mickey through East Tennessee State University. They moved back to Pensacola in 1969 to start their own family of two daughters and a son. Mary Ellen was a superlative and selfless volunteer throughout her life to many organizations in the Pensacola community. She served as her mother’s assistant Girl Scout leader. She started her own very successful Girl Scout Troop when her daughters came of age. And helped again as an assistant leader when her grand-daughters entered into Brownies. She designed the first cookie patch for units in the local council. A couple years ago, Mary Ellen’s lifetime of achievements and service in supporting the Girl Scout program, were recognized as she was awarded a Lifetime membership and received her Pearls. She was still selling Girl Scout cookies until 2016. Mary Ellen was a PTA volunteer for over 10 years at Holm Elementary and became an Escambia County School District employee for almost 10 more. During her tenure, she wore many hats: Office Aid, Ed Support, School Nurse, Wall Artist, Carnival Chair, Sub, Library Aid, Special Needs Tech, Lunch Room Staff, and was a Kitchen Manager for one summer and much more. Through her love and caring she also developed a talent for counseling Special needs and at-risk youth. Mary Ellen chartered the very first CampFire Kids group in the Florida Panhandle. She was a CampFire Leader for many years. Through her years of dedication, she helped dozens of youth to connect with nature, learn life skills, and find true belonging. Mary Ellen also spent unmeasurable hours supporting her husband and son through their Scouting journey of over 35 years, starting in Cub Scout Pack 455, then Boy Scout Troop 3, Venture Crew 619, and Troop 3 again. She was truly an important part of each of these group’s success. Mary Ellen was very involved for over 8 years with St Mary’s Church and their youth group SMYLE. It was obvious that she mastered her mother’s skills for large family dinners and social events. From dinners, to retreats, campouts, outings, and services, she was always there to lend a helping hand. Mary Ellen is survived by her husband Michael “Mickey” M. Sams; her children, Michele Williams of Milton, FL, Christopher (Melissa) Sams of Pensacola, FL, Mary Mundy of Pensacola, FL; brother, Jimmy (Betty) White of Navarre, FL; brother, Johnny (Annette) White of Butler, AL; sisters, Eillen (Norman) Brown, and Paula White of Jacksonville, FL; 9 cherished grandchildren, and many loved nieces and nephews. With her compassion, dedication, and love for kids, Mary Ellen Sams has touched countless young hearts through her many years on this Earth. She leaves behind hundreds of touched souls that are living proof that we should help those in need, help each other grow, and always love one another. It’s evident that each of her own children and grandchildren carry the same torch and belief. Though she will be missed, may her life of service be an example for us all. Memorial service and Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00pm on Sunday, July 19, 2020 at Faith Chapel Funeral Home South, 100 Beverly Pkwy, Pensacola, FL. Pastor Johnny Williams officiating. The doors will open and the family will receive friends starting at 1:30pm prior to service. In order to keep everyone safer, extra masks and hand sanitizer will be available at each entrance for those who don’t have their own. We will be practicing a lot of “air hugs” throughout the day. Reception starts at 3:00pm following final happy stories. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Gulf Coast Kids House in Memory of Mary Ellen Sams. They can be reached at www.gulfcoastkidshouse.org FAITH CHAPEL FUNERAL HOME SOUTH, 100 Beverly Pkwy is entrusted with the arrangements. You may express your condolences online at www.fcfhs.com

Tributes

Mary Ellen Sams

August 31, 1944 - July 13, 2020