Date of birth: 18 Aug 1958
Date of death: 04 Mar 2026

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Burial Information

Section 04 (Click Here for Section Map)
Cemetery: Odd Fellows Cemetery
Plot: 041A-04
Status: Occupied

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Notes

Obituary

JAMIE ELIZABETH (EDWARDS) SAMPLE

Jamie Elizabeth Sample (Edwards), 67, passed away peacefully on March 4, 2026 surrounded by her adoring family. Born on August 18, 1958 in Kosciusko, MS, Mrs. Sample lived a life defined by faith, family, education, music, and love for her community.

On November 19, 1977, she married the love of her life, Samuel D. Sample, Sr (Sam), at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Lexington, MS, beginning a devoted marriage that spanned nearly five decades. Together they built a home rooted in faith and laughter and raised four sons: Samuel D. Sample, Jr, Justin E. Sample, Matthew A. Sample, and Patrick N. Sample. She was a proud and loving grandmother to Layla Jane Sample and Eliana Grace Sample, who brought her immeasurable joy.

Mrs. Sample graduated from Clewiston High School in 1976. She earned an associate degree from Holmes Community College in 1992, later completing her Bachelor of Science in Education at Delta State University in 1995.

Demonstrating her lifelong commitment to learning, she earned a Master of Science in Education from Mississippi State University in 2014.

Mrs. Sample dedicated her professional life to teaching biology. She served 22 years in the Kosciusko Public School System, shaping generations of students with patience, intelligence, and steady encouragement. She later taught biology for five years at the Goodman and Ridgeland campuses of Holmes Community College, where her passion for science and her gift for connection continued to inspire students. Mrs. Sample believed that faith and science were never in conflict, often saying that the beauty and complexity of the natural world reflected the hand of our beloved Creator.

A longtime devoted Catholic and parishioner of St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, Mrs. Sample faithfully served as Minister of Music and church bookkeeper. Her voice, both literal and figurative, helped sustain the spiritual life of her parish community. Her faith was practiced and lived daily in kindness, generosity, and service to others.

Mrs. Sample was preceded in death by her mother, Janice Ford; her father, James C. Edwards; her beloved son, Justin E. Sample; and her daughter-in-law, Jennifer Fowler Sample.

She is survived by her husband, Sam; her sons, Samuel (Mary) of Madison, MS, Matthew (Sonia L. Scalf) of Birmingham, AL, and Patrick of Hillside Farm; two granddaughters, Layla Jane Sample and Eliana Grace Sample with a third girl due in April; stepmother, Jo Helen Edwards; sisters, Melissa Fayard (Nathan) of Biloxi, MS, Kim (Robert) Hester of Seymour, TN; and brothers, Jeff Ford (Dawn) of Biloxi, MS, and Jim Reeser of Covington, LA.

She was a devoted wife, mother, sister, grandmother, teacher, and friend. Jamie never met a stranger. Her warmth, genuine interest in others, and joyful spirit made everyone feel important and loved. Mrs. Sample leaves behind a legacy of faith, education, music, and unconditional love. Her life was a blessing to all who knew her, and she will be deeply missed.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church (200 Boulevard Street, Lexington, MS, 39095) in honor of Mrs. Sample’s lifelong devotion to her parish and faith.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Jamie was celebrated on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church. Following the Mass, she was laid to rest at Odd Fellows Cemetery.

A Celebration of the Life of Mrs. Sample will also be held at the Frank B. Branch Coliseum on Saturday, March 14, 2026. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by a memorial service at 11:00 a.m. All are welcome to attend.

Holmes County Herald (Lexington, Mississippi)
March 11, 2026, vol. 28, no. 11, pg. 2

Online: https://www.holmescountyherald.com/2026/03/11/jamie-elizabeth-sample-edwards/

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