Leona Fender Sams Rains
December 4, 1927 ~ February 19, 2009
Resided in:
Candler, NC
Leona Fender Sams Rains, 81, of 20 Parkview Dr., Candler, NC, died on Thursday, February 19, 2009, at the John F. Keever Hospice Solace Center.
Mrs. Rains was a daughter of the late William Marion and Mary Jane Fender. She was also preceded in death by her husbands, Jack Ronald Sams, who died in 1977, and John C. Rains, who died in 2002.
Mrs. Rains had worked as a seamstress for Ivey's Department Store. She was a member of Freedom Baptist Church.
She is survived by her sons, James David Sams, of Asheville, NC, Jack Sams and wife Donna of Gastonia, NC, and their son Seth Ronald Sams, of Asheville; daughter, Hollye Corder and husband Eric, of Huntsville, AL, and their sons Andrew, Payton, and Lane; and "adopted" daughter, Linda White, of Weaverville, NC; sister, Lillian Bundy, of Erwin, TN; sister-in-law, Nell Fender, of Asheville; and a number of nieces and nephews.
A funeral service for Mrs. Rains will be at 2:00 p.m. Saturday in the Groce Funeral Chapel on Patton Ave. with the Rev. Keith Hutchinson officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park.
Her family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
The family would like to express their appreciation to Cancer Care of WNC, Advanced Home Care, and to the John F. Keever Hospice Solace Center.
Memorials may be made to the Freedom Baptist Church Building Fund, 425 Rice Rd., Asheville, NC 28806, or to the Williamson Fund c/o Cancer Care of WNC, 445 Biltmore Ave. Suite 100, Asheville, NC 28801.
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Aunt Leona was the most gracious of Southern Ladies. She adored Jimmy, Jackie, Donna, Seth, Hollye, Eric, Andrew, Payton and Lane. She and Jack stood for us when we married in 1957. Our children loved her so! Johnny brought her happiness after Jack’s death. She is loved by so many. May her Soul rest in Christ’s Peace!
Aunt Leona was one of the most lovely ladies I have ever had the honor to have had in my life. She had such a kind heart and a presences of peacefulness about her. I am so sorry Jim and Jack for the loss of your Mom she was a beautiful lady in all ways.
To the Leona Fender Sams Rains Family.
Please except my sincere condolences. I had not seen Leona for many, many years, but I remember when she used to come to the Ambrose Fender reunion.
I am sure she will be missed by many.
Our thought are with you in this time of sadness.
Harley Fender
To The Family of Leona Rains, We have only known Leona a few years but during that time she was a very dear christian friend. She sat in front of us every Sunday at Church and was always a friendly beautiful smile to look forward to seeing on Sunday morning. You all have our deepest condolences at the diffcult time.
Jean & Bill Brookshire
Freedom Baptist Church
Jimmy, Jack and family,
My true sympathies for the loss of your mother,aunt,and love one. She was a beautiful lady with a beautiful and godly spirit. She loved the God who loved her so much ‘…he gave is only begotten son…’ for her and for all of you. Your mother served her purpose while on earth, by glorifying the Father, The Son and the Holy Spirit. Heaven has gained a saint we have lost a sister in Christ. We will miss her presence.
Sincerely,
Joyce Goode
We are saddened to read of the passing of Mrs. Rains. As members of Freedom, it was always a joy to see and speak to her and to see her friendly smile. She will greatly missed in our congregation.
May God comfort your families in this time of sorrow and loss.
The family of Junior Moore
JIM & FAMILY , MY HEART AND THOUGHTS GO OUT TO YOU FOR YOUR LOSS . I ALWAYS LOVE TO SEE HER , SHE MADE THE DAY BRIGHTER WITH HER SMILE . NO PAIN WHERE SHE IS NOW . GOD BLESS YOU ALL AND HE WILL BE WITH YOU . LISA & FAMILY
We have sweet memories of Leona and her radiant presence…A quiet witness for Jesus.
Jack, I am very sorry to have heard of the loss of your mother. As one who has suffered the loss of both parents, I know first hand the pain you and your family experiencing during this difficult time. Although difficult, try to remember the many good times shared with your mother while she was alive. Hopefully this will help ease the pain of loss you are most certainly experiencing.
My condolences and sympathies at this difficult time.
It is impossible to put into words the way in which Leona has influenced so many lives. Being in her presence was always a breath of fresh air. She was the most beautiful person in every possible way. Each life she touched has been forever enriched and blessed. I offer my condolences to all of her immediate and extended family.