Norma Ruth (Carney) Sam
Apr 5, 1937 - Dec 4, 2022
Posted by Jo Aguirre

© Jones-Harkins Funeral Home
(permission granted)

A Visitation will be held 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday, December 9, 2022 at Cedar Baptist Church.

A Celebration of life singing will follow right after visitation.

The funeral service will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday, December 10, 2022 at Cedar Baptist Church with Pastor Stanley Shomo officiating.

Burial will follow at Cedar Cemetery. Pallbearers are Merle Sam, Morris Sam, Mark Sam, Marvin Simon, Steven Querubin, Mike Simon, Joshua Anderson, Joshua Sam, Victor Martinez, Andrew Sam, and Jerry Anderson. Honorary Pallbearers are Halfpint (John Neboyia, Jr.), Jonathon Sam, Devin Sizemore, Isaiah Norris, Kyan Aguilar, Triston Mathes, Aiden Astorga, Lakota Sam, Bryar Dunham, Matthew Ramirez, Elias Ramirez, Robert Walton, and Vincent Sam.

Norma Ruth (Carney) Sam was born on April 5, 1937 to Alton Lee Carney and Juanita Belle Coley. Mom would take pride when saying, "Her and Abraham Lincoln had 1 thing in common, they both were born in a log cabin." Raised by her Granny (Joanna Henry) she grew up around Cedar. She attended Goodland Orphanage from grades 1st-8th, then attended Red Oak for 9th-10th. Continuing her education at Chilloco her Jr year. After 3 long weeks of courting Cornelius Jr. Ray Sam she became his wife, on March 12, 1954 they were married in Van Buren, Arkansas. Their journey together took them to Wichita Kansas back to Oklahoma then out to California on the "Relocation program" in 1956. Mom was a homemaker a devoted wife and a hard worker in the home and outside the home. She worked on assembly lines, in production warehouses, pharmaceutical industry, and nursing homes, doing all this while keeping biscuits on the table for her 10 children. In 1991 Cornelius retired and they moved back to Oklahoma. She continued to work as a nurse at Latimer County and being a Grandma for Children at Jones Academy, and at the Choctaw Headstart, she finished up with as a Home provider for the elderly. She was a simple sports fan except when the Little League World Series would begin. If you were going to visit with her during this time you might want to be prepared to be ignored (at least wait till commercials). The same with OU girls softball. Back n the day she was a genuine L.A. Laker fan. She also loved to go to gospel singings. She accepted Gods gift of salvation as a teenager and was a faithful child of the King. Serving as a Sunday School Teacher and Piano Player in Haggai Indian Missionary Baptist Church in So. Central Los Angeles, CA. then at Brighter Day church also So. Central Los Angeles, and Clara St. Mission in Bell Gardens, AA. Upon moving back to Oklahoma, she became a member of Cedar Indian Missionary Baptist Church and continued sharing her gift as a Sunday School Teacher and the Church Pianist. She enjoyed doing the work of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She would volunteer to go to Choctaw Chickasaw Associations and their Sunday School Singing Conventions. She also loved visiting with her Christian Brothers and Sisters during these meetings. p.s. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing. 2Tim. 4:7-8.

Norma is survived by her daughter: Debra Sam of Wilburton; her son: Merle Sam of Wilburton; her daughter: Della Querubin of Poteau; her son: Morris Sam and wife, Roberta of Wilburton; her daughter: Rebecca Pruter and husband, Chad of Wilburton; her son: Matthew Sam of Wilburton; her son: Mark Sam and wife, Lucinda of Krebs; her daughter: Carla Enriquez and husband, Daniel of Poteau; her stepsons: Paul Sam of Oklahoma City, and John Gaines and wife, Jeanette of Garden Grove, CA; her sisters: Geraldine Isabel, Julia Hood, Connie Meftahi, Doris Box, Mary Lou Ellenburg, and Isabel Carney; 27 grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren; along with numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family.

She is preceded in death by her husband: Cornelius Ray Sam Jr; her daughter: Theresa Sam; her son: Carlos Sam; her parents: Alton Carney and Juanita Coley; her daughter-in-law: Elaine Sam; her sons-in-law: Rolando Querubin, and William Hood; her sisters: Kathryn Seyler, Helen Brannon and Willhemina Baker; her brothers: Johnny Carney, Victor Billy, Frank Bell, Ron Billy, Don Billy, and Jerry Billy; her grandchildren: Jeremy Dodson, Nicole Sam, and Emily Sizemore.

Funeral Service 
Saturday, December 10, 2022 2:00 PM
Cedar Baptist Church