Jeanette Sams

Jeanette L. Sams, 88, of Cape Girardeau died Saturday, Dec. 25, 2010, at Jackson Manor in Jackson.

She was born July 27, 1922, in Cape Girardeau to Cledes B. and Jessie Lou Slinkard Limbaugh.

Jeanette and the Rev. Earl Sams were married Nov. 20, 1941, at Cape Girardeau. He preceded her in death on May 18, 1995.

She graduated from Southeast Missouri State College at the age of 18.

After leaving Missouri, she was a credit manager for Sears for 18 years. Later, she was the patient account manager of Cape Surgical Clinic for 13 years until she retired in November of 1987.

Jeanette was a charter member of the First Church of the Nazarene in Cape Girardeau and served in various roles in Nazarene churches throughout the United States. She was also a faithful member of the Jackson Church of the Nazarene.

Her entire life was spent in the service of the Lord as a pastor's wife in the Nazarene church. The Rev. and Mrs. Sams pastored churches in West Plains, Mo., Carlsbad, N.M., Albuquerque, N.M., Denver, Ketchikan, Alaska, and Charleston, Mo. Upon retirement from their pastoral services, Jeanette conducted Tuesday morning Ladies Bible study from her home.

She was renowned as a great teacher and mentor in Sunday school classes and various Bible studies. Anyone having the honor to know Jeanette learned she was a woman who faithfully served God all her life. All who knew her realized that one of her strongest gifts was to put others' needs and concerns ahead of her own. She will be missed greatly by those who knew and loved her.

Survivors include a son, Mike Sams his wife Adela "Presi" of Jackson; and a sister, Janice Landess of Tucson, Ariz.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and her sisters, Pansy "Marie" O'Connors and Virginia Howard.

Graveside services will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday at Lorimier Cemetery in Cape Girardeau, where she will be laid to rest beside her husband. The Rev. Ed Stoner will be officiating.

Memorial contributions may be given to Nazarene Compassionate Ministries, General Church of the Nazarene at Global Treasury Services Church of the Nazarene, P.O.Box 843116, Kansas City, MO 64184, or by sending them in care of the Jackson Church of the Nazarene.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.

Ford and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.