Brenda Sample

Brenda K. Sample, 60, of Jackson passed away Monday, March 11, 2013, at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau.

She was born June 26, 1952, in New Lenox, Ill., to Homer and Francis Cook Holt Sr. She and Anthony G. "Tony" Sample were married July 14, 1984, in Scott County, Mo.

Brenda was a 1970 graduate of Du Quoin High School in Du Quoin, Ill., and attended Southeast Missouri State University. She worked in the Southwestern Bell telemarketing department for 11 years.

The ultimate mother and best friend the world could ask for, she always was available to anyone in need with open ears and arms, providing numerous people with a warm meal and place to lay their heads.

Brenda accepted the views of all and did not have a prejudiced bone in her body. A smile that glowed and a heart that poured compassion with eyes that were so endearing that even an enemy could feel loved. Eloquent, fair, beautiful and intelligent was Brenda. In other words, a perfect angel. Brenda will be greatly missed and forever remembered for her unconditional love.

She is survived by her loving husband of 28 years, Tony Sample; six children, Becky Coffel, Jamie Cano, Linda Sarakas and James, BJ and Scott Sample; three stepchildren, Kathy Sample, Kim Sample and Tyler Sample; three brothers, Roger, Homer and Brentwood Holt; a sister, Geneva Masters; 20 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents and a sister, Karen Biggerstaff.

The funeral was held Thursday at the chapel of McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson. A son, Scott Sample, officiated.

The family will be creating a garden at the family home in memory of Brenda. Please keep this is mind when making memorial contributions.

Sympathy messages may be sent to the family online at www.mccombsfuneralhome.com.