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SISTER VERNDELL DAVIS SAMPSON
JANUARY 29, 1954 – JULY 29, 2024
"Belle" | "Sunshine Lady"
"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I kept the faith." ~ 2 Timothy 4:7

Sister Verndell Davis Sampson was born on January 29, 1954, to her eagerly awaiting parents, Albert James Davis, Sr. and Jenyethel Smith Davis, in Madison, Florida. She was affectionately known as "Belle" and "Sunshine Lady." As the years progressed, she shared their lively household with her four brothers and three sisters. She was a lifetime resident of the area.

Because Verndell's strong spiritual foundation was embedded in her early in life, she made a personal confession of her belief in Jesus Christ and was baptized by faith. From that initial experience, she worshipped the Lord and willingly gave her service to Him in a more excellent way.

Verndell received her education in the Madison County School District and was a 1972 graduate from Madison High School. She considered two career options, with one of them being achieving certification in cosmetology from North Florida Junior College Vocational Center and the other was attaining certification in corrections through the Florida Department of Corrections. She worked several years in the Magic Touch Beauty Salon before she accepted a position as a corrections officer at Jefferson Correctional Institution. During her 16-year employment, she achieved the rank of Sergeant.

During her time away from her busy work schedule, Verndell enjoyed cooking; her specialties were mouth-watering homemade biscuits and savory chicken and rice. On the other hand, she also appreciated being in the fresh air and sunshine. She, together with Lawanza and Darrien, were successful garden producers of fresh vegetables.

Verndell was taught to work as a child, and at 18 years of age, she assumed a more responsible role in the daily farm activities. She grew and gathered vegetables and pecans, drove the tractor, and helped raise livestock. Verndell also enjoyed hunting. Her leisure brought her enjoyment in dancing and listening to music, specifically the "Old School / Oldies Goldie's." At other times, she was thoroughly uplifted with her praise and worship experience by listening to and/or singing Gospel music.

Verndell had a special love for her entire family and enjoyed spending quality time with them. Foremost, however, was the enduring love she had for Lawanza and Darrien who shared so many aspects of their lives together. She was always supportive, encouraging, loving, and compassionate.

The joy of the Lord was her strength. On Monday, July 29, 2024, Verndell Davis Sampson completed her earthly journey and was welcomed into the Kingdom for her Heavenly reward "… there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day…." ~2 Timothy 4:8.

Someone so special can never be forgotten because she left a legacy of love in the footprints of time. Loved ones who will hold close to their hearts the forever memories of Sister Verndell Davis Sampson that bind them together as family are her daughter: Lawanza "Nikki" Sampson; grandson/son: Darrien Graham, both of Madison, FL; brothers: Charlie (Ruby) Davis of Fayetteville, NC; Jerome "Ricky" Davis and Eugene (Nora) Davis, all of Madison, FL; sisters: Annie Pearl Davis Reddick, Linda Davis Jackson, and Eunice Davis Straughter, all of Madison, FL; sisters-in-law: Betty Brown Davis, Louise Sampson, and Lureatha Jackson; aunts: Lillie Mae Davis Alexander, Madison, FL and Coreatha Davis Hester of Lakeland, FL; special friends: William Hicks, Barbara Moore, Barbara Ann Hall, Maria Edwards, Linda Jackson, Willie Mae Gallon, Joanna Norton, Mary Jane Johnson, and Pauline Miller; along with countless other sorrowing relatives and consoling friends. Preceding Verndell in death were both of her parents: Albert James Davis, Sr. and Jenyethel Smith Davis; her husband: Sammie Lee Sampson; and her brother: Albert James Davis, Jr.