Obituary of Iola Jean Samson

Iola Jean Henderson Samson, 89, of Irmo, SC passed away on March 6, 2024, in the early morning at her assisted living residence, Generations of Irmo.

Iola was born on February 28^th, 1935, to Anna Mae Marshall Henderson and Wallace Henderson in Pinconning, MI.  Iola was the next to youngest of seven children born to her parents.  She was raised in a loving family in Pinconning.  Iola was particularly close with her older sister, Frieda, who stayed in Michigan her whole life but often visited Iola and family over the years until she passed away in 1994.

In the early 1950’s, Iola met the love of her life, Richard Daniel Samson (“Dick”) who was from Bay City, MI.  They were both working for Dow Chemical in Midland, MI at the time.  They wed in 1955 going on to have five children born in three different states as they moved south and settled in Charlotte in 1965.  Karen and Michelle (born in MI), Suzanne and Brian (born in PA) and John (born in NC).

Iola was a loving wife, sister, daughter, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother always looking out for her family.  She took on a larger role in raising her five children in the earlier years as Dick travelled often with work.  In 1977, they moved from Charlotte to North Augusta, SC due to a job change for Dick.  Iola was always supportive and accommodating through the transition south and always looked on the bright side of circumstances, focusing on keeping her family happy.  Iola had an endless supply of optimism and enthusiasm, always liked a good joke, and loved spending time with her family.  Two of her bigger hobbies included reading and playing cards with family and friends.  She and Dick loved playing bridge with many of their friends.  Iola also loved to travel and went on many memorable adventures with Dick and the family. 

In 1999, Iola and Dick moved from North Augusta to Columbia, SC to be closer to some of their grandchildren.  Iola was happily married to Dick for 49 years until his passing in September 2004.  She never remarried.

Iola was predeceased by her parents (Anna Mae and Wallace), her six brothers and sisters (Mary, Richard, Jack, Helen, Frieda and Wally Ann), her husband (Dick), her daughter (Michelle Samson Latronica) and her son-in-law (Jimmy Latronica).

She is survived by her children (and spouses): daughter Karen Lee Samson of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, daughter Suzanne Marie Samson (and son-in-law David Arnold) of Truckee, CA, son Brian Richard Samson (and daughter-in-law Ashley Samson) of Chapin, SC, and son John Michael Samson of Charlotte, NC.  She is also survived by her six grandchildren (and ten great grandchildren): granddaughter Sharon Nicole Marin (husband Herberto Marin and children Morgan, Greyson, Gavin, Eric and Isabelle) of Mooresville, NC, grandson Daniel Leonard Smith (wife Leslie and children Cody and Olivia) of Bluffton, SC, granddaughter Elizabeth Anna Cheaney (partner Rudy Peterson and children Deavine, Serenity and Azariah) of Hollywood, FL, granddaughter Kacie Lauren Samson of Columbia, SC, grandson Nicholas Brian Samson (wife Danielle) of Columbia, SC, and grandson Scott Richard Samson of Charlotte, NC.

The family will hold a private memorial service at a later date.

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