Virginia Fern Sams

Virginia Fern Sams, 86, Kingsport, died at 11:45 am on Monday, December 31, 2018 at The Wexford House. She was born at home in Blackwater,VA and resided most of her life in Kingsport. She was a loving wife, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Fern was a member of Nottingham United Methodist Church. She enjoyed crocheting and going out to eat. She was preceded in death by her husband, Rev. James W. Sams in 1995; parents, Freeman ( Shorty) Bledsoe and Martha Parlee Bledsoe; three sisters, Marie Kerney, Hazel Gilliam, and Margaret Sturgill; four brothers, Oscar Bledsoe, Duddley (Dud) Bledsoe, Haskell Bledsoe, and Manford ( Joe) Bledsoe. Survivors include her three sons, Roger Lynn (Debbie) Sams, Jerry Lee (Brenda) Sams of Kingsport and Jimmy Dale (Pam) Sams of Limestone, TN; three grandsons, Jimmy Dale (Patty) Sams II of Greeneville, TN , Joshua (Tonya) Dykes of Kingsport and Aaron Wesley Sams of Kingsport; two great granddaughters, Gracelyn and Emmalyn Sams of Greeneville, TN; a great grandson due in February; two step- great grandsons, Brady Chatman and Jackson Riddle-Allen; one brother, C.P. Bledsoe of Fairview, VA; one sister, Rachel Thomas of New Madison, Ohio; special nieces, Pat Jones, Shirletta Wood and Irene Porter; along with several other nieces, nephews, and a host of friends. The family will receive friends from 5pm to 7pm on Friday, January 4, 2019 at Nottingham UMC. A funeral service will follow with Pastor Bill Porter officiating. Graveside services will be conducted at 11am on Saturday, January 5, 2019 at East Lawn Memorial Park with family and friends serving as pallbearers. Those wishing to attend are asked to meet at Scott County Funeral Home by 10:15am to go in procession to the cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Nottingham UMC at 2616 Nottingham Road Gate City, VA 24251. To send a condolence to the family please visit our website at www.scottcountyfuneralhome.com. Carter-Trent/Scott County Funeral Home is serving the Sams family.