Rose Hill Cemetery

Calera, Bryan County, Oklahoma

© Brown's Funeral Service
Submitted by: Terry Dudley

Raychel Jean Sampson

December 20, 1967 - April 3, 2023

RAYCHEL JEAN SAMPSON AKA RAYMOND EUGENE SAMPSON

Raychel Jean Sampson, age 55, of Calera Oklahoma passed away on April 3, 2023. Born as Raymond Eugene Sampson to Sgt. Robert and Betty Sampson in Denison Texas on December 20, 1967. Raychel graduated from Pottsboro High School in May 1987. After spending much of her young life in & around The American Legion, joining the US Navy in Dec 1987, and traveling the world, it just seemed like the natural thing to do. She proudly served as Machinist Mate 3rd Class until November 1993. She often spoke fondly of the friends and memories she made during her time in the service.

In 2001 Ray bravely began his transitional journey to Raychel and at last, she felt comfortable in who she was as a person. In 2002 She received her Associate Degree of Science in chemistry from Grayson County College. She was a member of Phi Theta Kappa, graduated Cum Laud and she was a certified master Tutor Level II. Rachel had aspired to become a teacher, instead, she started a career at Cigna where she would gain a wonderful work family. Her Cigna work family proved just how much they all cared for her when she suffered a severely broken leg & had to be care flighted to Dallas. They were there at the hospital & later at home to assist her in any way they could.

Rachel met Jeff Burkhalter around 2005 & the two of them became best of friends. In 2015 Jeff introduced her to his church family at Calera United methodist church and she soon became a part of the congregation. Jeff & Raychel became roommates in 2017 and then on October 24, 2020, Jeff and Rachel got married. Raychel then felt like she had the family she wanted by becoming part of Jeff's large family. Unfortunately, Jeff became very ill and passed away in 2021.

Some fondly called her "Ray Ray" and sometimes others still called her just Ray. She did not get upset with anyone that did not acknowledge her as a woman unless it was truly done out of spite. She was known for her kindness, giving affirmations to anyone who was in need of them, and she loved to cook for her loved ones. She also served as treasurer of United Methodist Church in Calera and stayed very active at church. They were her chosen family and she truly enjoyed spending time with them at church or at each other’s homes.

Raychel is preceded in death by her parents, Sergeant Robert Harold Sampson and Betty Jo (Holder) Sampson. Her husband Jeffrey Burkhalter, and her brother Jerry Wayne Beavers.

Left to cherish her memories and continue her love of life and community are Her chosen family Dan and Angie Bauer of Calera; Tony and Lorrie Compton of Colbert; Brandon Smith of Calera, Keiller Burkhalter and wife Linda of Calera, Jerry Smith of Calera, Steven Burkhalter and wife Barbara of Denison, Debbie Moore of Calera, Cory Burkhalter and wife Kristi of Durant. Keta Burkhalter and Husband Harry of Calera, Kayla Springer and husband Shawn of Durant; her sister Cathy Beavers and husband Michael of Pottsboro. Her brothers Homer Ronald Beavers III and James Robert Sampson of Texas, and her niece Dadie Condron and husband Ewel of Pottsboro, Tx. along with many many friends 2 legged & 4 legged.

Memorial will be Saturday, April 22, 2023 at 2 pm at Calera United Methodist Church, 111 S McKinley, Calera, Oklahoma. In lieu of flowers please make donations to United Methodist Church of Calera to plant a garden or shrubbery in memory of Raychel.