Mary Louise Samples' Obituary
Mary Louise Samples, of Garland, Texas, was born on July 21, 1924. She entered her eternal reward in Dallas, Texas, on March 3, 2024 – less than five months before her 100th birthday.
Mary was born in Dallas to Emmett Roy and Louise Hettie (Kuntz) Miller and was the oldest of four children. She attended Dallas schools and taught Sunday School at the former Forest Avenue Baptist Church.
Shortly after the end of World War II, she married the love of her life, Nolan Samples, who had just returned to Dallas after serving more than three years in the U.S. Navy. They eventually settled in the newly developed Casa View area of East Dallas where they raised four children.
Mary enjoyed being a full-time homemaker and was active in Scouting with each of her children. After a while, Mary went to work for Dallas Independent School District where she served as a Data Controller.
Mary and Nolan enjoyed travelling and camping, particularly in the Western half of the country. They eventually established a summer home in the mountains of Southeastern New Mexico near the village of Cloudcroft where they could enjoy the cool mountain air during the hottest months of the year.
Mary was a longtime member of Shiloh Terrace Baptist Church in Dallas and was also a recent member of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
Mary is preceded in death by: her husband of 54 years; her son, Jerry Nolan Samples; her parents; her brothers, Emmett Robert Miller and Gerald Lee Miller; and her sister, Doris Mae Miller Smith.
Mary’s legacy of faith and love carries on in the lives of: her daughters, Patricia E. (Joe) McReynolds, Laurenda C. (Doug) Hillen and Tammy M. (John) Rushing; her grandchildren Hal Samples, Brandon Samples, Vanessa Ragsdale, Josh Samples, Jordan Samples, Jenna Guinn and Cody Samples; her great-grandchildren Skylar Samples, Gabriel Ragsdale, Serena Samples and Owen Samples; and many nieces and nephews.
Mary’s family will receive friends at Restland Funeral Home between 6:00PM and 8:00PM on Wednesday, March 20, 2024.
A celebration of Mary’s life will be held in the Wildwood Chapel at Restland Memorial Park on Thursday, March 21, 2024, at 10:00AM with the Rev. Dr. Timothy Warren officiating. Following the services, Mary will be laid to rest with Nolan at Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery at 1:00PM. Those wishing to attend should be in line next to the visitor's center no later than 12:45PM.
In lieu of flowers, a donation in memory of Mary may be made to the Disabled American Veterans which was one of her favorite charities.
What’s your fondest memory of Mary?
What’s a lesson you learned from Mary?
Share a story where Mary's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Mary you’ll never forget.
How did Mary make you smile?
