Joyce Maxine (Brown) Samuels age 79 of Ames was called home to the Lord, Tuesday December 17, 2013. A gathering of family and friends visitation will be 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 22, at Grandon Funeral and Cremation Care 414 Lincoln Way Ames, with a 1:30 Monday, Dec. 23, celebration of life service at Grandon Funeral and Cremation Care. Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday at Ames Municipal Cemetery.
The energetic, spiritual civil rights, diversity outreach and community service advocate was born to George and Lois Brown in Kenlock, Missouri September 21, 1934. Having graduated from Des Moines North High School she joined the U.S. Navy where she met and married Dr. Charles L. Samuels, who eventually became Iowa State's first Affirmative Action Officer. The couple lived in Columbus, OH, Morgantown, WV, and Charleston, WV before settling in Ames, Iowa in 1973.
For the past 40 years Mrs. Samuels was a strong, vibrant pillar in the Ames community. She received a graduate degree in Higher Education from Iowa State University. Her active employment with the National Animal Disease Lab, Iowa Department of Transportation and Iowa State Extention Services along with her involvement in state and local politics, most notably the Iowa Civil Rights Commission, City of Ames Human Relations Committees, League of Women Voters, The Ames Few, and The Martin Foundation garnered extensive recognition and numerous awards including the 2008 Ames Tribune Unsung Hero award, from her peers.
She will be joining her parents, her husband, Charles, son Gregory Samuels, and brother Calvin Brown in Heaven as they guide son Darryl, daughter Anisha and granddaughter Diandra Holmes and their families to continue her legacy.
On line condolences may
be directed to:
www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com
Dearest Darryl and Family,
Please accept my heartfelt sympathy for your loss.
The memory of your Mother will live on in hearts forever.
May the sorrow that you are feeling in your heart lighten by the Love thatsurrounds you and may you find Peace, Comfort and Strength in God's grace during this time.
If there is anything I can do, beyond praying, please let me know.
With Love and Friendship.
Darryl and Anisha,I am
sorry for the loss of your Mom and my friend. I feel blessed to know ya'll.
A group of us had so much fun on her last weekend
@ the movies. She was a joy to be with and loved her family. Very proud of her children. Joyce was an example of "old school" supportiveness and energy. Volunteering in so many projects League of Women Voters,
NAACP etc. She is missed and loved.
Diandra know that your family and friends are praying for you. Keep your head up and your memories of your grandma in your heart.
Our deepest sympathy to the family of Joyce Samuels. May God comfort and strengthen you. Our family will keep you lifted in prayer.
Darryl Samuels, you don't know me, but you called me by mistake on December 20th, 2013. Only after we hung up did I connect your name with an obituary I had read in the AMES TRIBUNE earlier that day, an obituary that described a woman of such spirit and energy that I was impressed and wished I had met her. I never knew your mother, but I am very sorry for your loss. Sympathies to you and your family.
Darryl, my deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family. I have always found exceeding comfort in the words recorded at John 5:25, 28, 29. May the God who grants peace be with each of you.
Condolences to Darryl and Anisha on the passing of your mother. My prayers are with you both. My God continue to bless your walk in life. Take care and I am here for you.
Joyce Samuels will be missed tremendously. Sending comforting prayers for Darryl and Anisha.
Visitation
Ames, IA 50010
Service
Ames, IA 50010
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