Mary Jane Sample

Mary Jane Sample, age 95, “The Esteemed Family Matriarch and Historian,” (lovingly referred to by her Grand/Great/Great-Great Grandchildren as “Granny”), was born October 26, 1929 in Dayton, Ohio. She transitioned peacefully from her earthly existence to be with the Lord on Friday, November 8, 2024. 

She leaves to cherish her loving memory, three devoted sons, Emmett P. Folley, William L. Tanner (Michelle) and Eddie B. Sample Jr. (Rachelle); three daughters, Renee’ K. Tanner, Deanna Tanner and Marcella Sample; step-sister, Amy Seals-Smith (Demetrius), and a host of Grand/Great/Great-Great Grandchildren and other relatives and friends.

Mary Jane was a loving/dedicated daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and friend. She was also a remarkable Christian woman who accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age at Mount Enon Baptist Church and later in life became a member of Mount Olive Baptist Church where her mother worshipped. Her life was a testament to love, compassion and selflessness. She raised a close and caring family; always instilling the values of caring for one another and coming together through both the good times and the bad. 

Mary Jane was very active in the community as she volunteered to serve multiple terms within the City of Dayton’s Priority Board and as a teacher’s aide at local schools. In addition to being a former divorcee and widow, Mary Jane worked day jobs cleaning homes, as well as worked lengthy early morning and late-night shifts at a multitude of janitorial positions within Sinclair Community College and First National Bank. However, her greatest joy in life was spending time with family and sharing in family traditions; those which were passed down to her through generations.

She leaves behind a true legacy of love, a family she created and nurtured, and friendships that will forever inspire those fortunate enough to have known her and her love. She loved crafts and can best be described as a talented seamstress. She also enjoyed reading her Bible, poems, baking, gardening, completing jigsaw/seek & find puzzles, and most of all, her sweets! She firmly believed in strong work ethics and being self-efficient, which she instilled in her children at early ages. She also was the true definition of a “Momma Bear;” known for her protectiveness, strong will, and determination. There are many that will always remember Mary Jane for her sweetness, like her expression of gratitude (e.g., “Thank you so kindly”). However, when crossed, there are those of us who would remember her for “You can try me if you want to!” or “Get your carcass over here!” and was ready and able to back up those words (as her off-springs and others could attest).

She is joined in rest by her mother, Mrs. Will Lenner Smith; father, Mr. Garfield Seals and step-mother, Mrs. Ora Seals; two brothers, Mr. Edward H. Seals and Mr. Michael Seals; one sister, Mrs. Fay C. Johnson; two sons, Mr. Eldon C. Tanner, Jr. and Willis J. Sample. After living 95 years, she leaves a lineage consisting of both family and extended bonds formed from the heart as her reach was as far as it was wide. 

Mary Jane will be deeply missed! Her Spirit, as well as her warmth, guidance, and her tremendous courage through all of life’s ups and downs will continue to inspire all of those that were blessed to know her. Most of all, her loving acceptance of each of us “no matter what” is so deeply cherished as she was our biggest cheerleader! She showed us the true definition of unconditional love. Our mother/granny will always be with us as we live our lives every day to be just a sparkle of the example she has set for us. 

Rest in peace Mom - You have been “The Blessing” of our lives as NOBODY could have done the job of raising all of us as well as you have done! We are genuinely comforted in knowing that you are now at peace with all your loving family and friends who have gone before you. 

We know they are waiting in line for their turn to hug you again as we will continue to Love You Dearly; Love You Much; Love You Even - Without Your Touch!

The family would like to thank Siena Woods Care Center and Compassus Hospice and Palliative Care for the Love and Care they provided the family throughout her stay.

Funeral service 11:00am, Monday, November 18, 2024 at Woodlawn Indoor Mausoleum, 118 Woodland Ave., Dayton, Ohio. The family will receive friends 10:00am-11:00am. Interment Woodland Cemetery, Dayton, Ohio 45409. Arrangements entrusted to Newcomer Funeral Home, 4104 Needmore Rd., Dayton, Ohio.