Joann Sams Wilson

A Memorial Video to JoAnn is now available on this site. The link is below her picture.Surrounded by her loving family, including all six of her children, JoAnn Wilson, 83, departed this world on Jan. 11, 2013. The daughter of Everett and Goldie (Lowers) Sams, JoAnn was born at home in Parkersburg, alongside twin brother, Bill, on Dec. 7, 1929. One of six children herself, she became a devout member of Lauckport Baptist Church. She met her eventual husband, Clifford (Bud), in school at Roosevelt Elementary. She graduated from Parkersburg High School in 1947 and married Bud in 1950. Their oldest child, Clifford Duane, was born while Bud was serving in Korea. After a few years of military service, they made their home on Sixth Avenue in south Parkersburg and raised their children. JoAnn began working for Wood County Bank in 1972 and continued until her retirement in the 1990s. JoAnn's life was one of devotion to her family and to Lauckport Baptist Church, where she served as Sunday school teacher, treasurer, pianist and organist for over 40 years. Her daily study – and knowledge – of the Bible was an inspiration to everyone who knew her. In addition to being an avid pianist, she enjoyed singing, working puzzles, taking walks, watching wildlife and spending time with her large family. She was an unfailingly gentle, kind and loyal person, and will be deeply missed by her family and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 58 years (in 2008); and her brothers, Powell and Harold. She is survived by two brothers, Everett Sams of Florida and Bill Sams of Minnesota; one sister, Virginia Hicks of Clarksburg; and her children, Clifford (Sandy) of Dayton, Ohio, Janice (Mike) Kaufman of Charleston, W.Va., Mary (Rodney) Holbert of Mineral Wells, W.Va., Jim (LuAnn) Wilson of Washington, W.Va., Lee (Jennifer) Wilson of Oberlin, Ohio, and Melody (Orlando) Acosta of Hood River, Ore. In addition, she is survived by 13 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Tuesday at Lauckport Baptist Church, Camden Avenue, south Parkersburg, with the Rev. Dr. William Thomas officiating. Visitation will be 3-5 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Monday at Lambert-Tatman Funeral Home, 2333 Pike St., south Parkersburg. Interment will follow at Sunset Memory Gardens. The family requests memorial contributions be made to Lauckport Baptist Church.