Carolyn Leavell Samuel's Obituary
Ms. Carolyn Leavell Samuel was born Carolyn Dian Leavell to Rev. Orlean and Lina Belle Leavell in Palestine, TX on January 21, 1946. She received her formal education from Green Bay High School where she excelled and graduated class valedictorian in 1964. She attended Prairie View A&M University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology in 1968. Upon graduating, she taught science at Central Junior High School in Kansas City, Missouri for three years. Carolyn met Jerry Joe Samuel and married in Dallas, TX on November 6, 1971. God blessed them with two loving daughters, Kyra Tharp and Jennifer Hanks. She taught Physical Science at Edward Carey Junior High School for five years and Thomas Jefferson High School for six years. She attended and received a Masters Degree in Public School Administration from the University of North Texas in Denton, TX in 1978. Carolyn made a profession of faith at Hamilton Park United Methodist Church in Dallas, TX. She is preceded in death by her parents, Rev. Orlean and Lina Belle Leavell; her husband, Jerry Joe Samuel; one brother, Wayne Thurman Leavell; and one sister, Annetta Sharene Himes. She is survived by her daughters, Kyra (Aaron) Tharp and Jennifer (Ricky) Hanks; brothers, Anthony Orlean Leavell, John Henry Leavell, Donald Glenn (Marva) Leavell, Gordon Gregg Leavell, Gerald Leon Leavell and Elliott Kelvin (Rose) Leavell; sister, Beth Leavell Alade; brother-in-law, Lanre Alade; uncle Leston Reeves; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives and friends; and devoted caregivers, Janette Hopkins, Louisa Paul, Mariam Ashimi and Angela Lyons. Memorial service will be held at 3:00pm on Friday, June 15th at Restland Wildwood Chapel.
What’s your fondest memory of Carolyn?
What’s a lesson you learned from Carolyn?
Share a story where Carolyn's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Carolyn you’ll never forget.
How did Carolyn make you smile?