Vernita Diane Sampson

Vernita Diane Sampson was the firstborn child welcomed into the world by Andrew and Louvinia Sherrod on April 13, 1950.

She received her early education through the Shelby County School System, graduating from Booker T. Washington High School in Memphis in 1969. She attended Shelby State Community College where she earned her 2-year nursing degree, and later furthered her education to become a Registered Nurse at Prairie View A&M University in Texas.

Accepting Jesus Christ at a young age, Vernita’s life was defined by her unwavering faith and a spirit of service. She was a faithful and dedicated member of Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church, serving under the leadership of the late Dr. C.L. Jackson and Dr. Sheldon L. Jackson. She served diligently in the Deacon's Wives and the Television Ministry until her passing.

Professionally, Vernita dedicated her life to caring for others. While working as a nurse at Methodist Hospital, she met the love of her life, Earl Sampson, in June of 1976. They were united in holy matrimony on April 2, 1977, at Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church by Dr. C.L. Jackson. They shared 44 beautiful years of marriage and were blessed with one daughter, Candria (Mark), who was the apple of their eye and the joy of their hearts. Vernita would go on to retire from Ben Taub Hospital, and later shared her caring spirit as a beloved school nurse at McNamara Elementary until her second and final retirement.

Vernita had a deep passion for cooking, sewing, and nurturing those around her. She enjoyed travel and loved taking cruises. Her hospitality knew no bounds; she frequently opened her home to loved ones relocating from Memphis to Texas. She faithfully served countless meals to pastors during the church's Prayer Bowl and lovingly prepared gift baskets for seniors on Valentine's Day and other special occasions.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Earl Sampson; her parents, Andrew and Louvinia Sherrod; her sister, Evelyn Simpson; her sister-in-law, Martha Jewel Sampson; her brother-in-law, Richard Lee Sampson Jr.; and her two nieces, Bernetta Jewel Sampson (BJ) and Crystal R. Watts (Boosie).

She leaves to cherish her precious memory: her devoted daughter, Candria Chapman (Mark); her beloved grandchildren, Natasha Buckingham, Derrick, Dominique Bryant, Samiyah, and Mark Edward Chapman II (Deuce); her cherished great-grandchildren, Laila, Nicole, Gwyneth Hooks, Luna Chapman, Levi Chapman, and Aiden Buckingham; her brother, Bobby Sherrod (Sandra); her nieces, Michelle Simpson, Crystal Harris (PJ), and Stancy Simpson; her nephews, Terrence Watts, Marty Sherrod, and Colby Simpson; her great-nieces, Christian Sherrod, Breeanna Williams (Todrick), and Jamie Watts; her great-nephew, Anthony Sherrod; her great-great-nephew, Grayson Williams; her great-great-nieces, Lennex Williams and Charlie Renee Reed; and a host of extended relatives and dear friends.