Obituary of Ilene Joyce Sampson
Ilene Joyce Smith was born on March 31, 1933, in Spring City, Tennessee. She was one of three daughters born from the union of Malcom Robert and Matilda Myrtle (Byrd) Smith. In 1950, Ilene married the love of her life, Floyd Sampson. Together the couple was blessed with the birth of two children: Floyd Jr. and Brenda.
Despite only completing the 11th grade in school, Ilene was wise beyond her years and embraced hard work and determination. She became gainfully employed by the Kmart corporation as head of security.
During her younger years, Ilene found joy and camaraderie as she bowled alongside her husband in a bowling league. It was a time filled with laughter, friendly competition, and lasting friendships. The duo shared many unforgettable moments at the alley.
Ilene was a spirited soul and possessed a unique passion for shopping. She had a talent for finding the perfect item wherever she went. She had a fascination with guns and proudly owned a .357 pistol. Another of Ilene's passions resided in her love for classic cars, once being the proud owner of a 1966 and 1968 red Ford Mustang. She cared meticulously for the automobiles, adding a gleaming smile every time she revved the engine.
There was nothing Ilene enjoyed more in this life than having her family gather together for a home-cooked Thanksgiving feast. She relished in the joy of preparing delicious meals and creating an atmosphere of love and gratitude.
In her later years, Ilene was faced with the challenging diagnosis of Alzheimer’s, and only began to slow down as the disease progressed. Ilene Joyce Sampson, age 90, of Monroe, passed away at 9:30pm, on Friday, November 10, 2023, while under the care of FountainView of Monroe. Her passing was preceded by her parents; her husband: Floyd Sampson, Sr. in 2012; and two sisters: Dorothy and Shirley.
To cherish her memory, she leaves: a son: Floyd Sampson, Jr.; a daughter: Brenda (Clennon) Rollins; five grandchildren: Chad Sampson, Ed Henry, Janie (Gary) Johnson, Donna (Lisa) Siebert, and Timothy Crouse; sixteen great grandchildren; six great-great children; great nieces and nephews: Richard, Danny, Bobbie and Shawn Johnson, Jeremiah and Michael, and Brittany, Jordan and Justin Crouse.
Her care has been entrusted to Merkle Funeral Service, North Monroe; 2442 North Monroe Street, Monroe, Michigan 48162 (734) 384-5185. No public services are planned at this time. Cremation has taken place through the onsite crematory, Covenant Cremation of Erie, Michigan.
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