Willena Summey Sams

Mrs. Sams was the daughter of the late Linton Summey Sr. and Nellie Austin Summey of Canton. She was a member of Bent Creek Baptist Church. She was well known over the years for her dedicated work and support of the Venable Community Center, and her work with the girl scouts. In addition to her father she was preceded in death by her husband of 49 years, Martin Van Sams, a brother Benny Summey of Canton and a grandson, Nathaniel Martin Ingle of Asheville.

She was a devoted wife, loving mother and Nanny. In addition to her mother she is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Tommy and Gloria Warren of Asheville; daughters and son-in-laws, Vanette and Steve Baldwin, and Debbie and Roy Ingle all of Asheville; Nanny to Donessa, Joelle, Tootie, Bubba and Nicole; great-Nanny to Devin, Donovan, DeVant`e, Chase and Hannah all of Asheville. She is also survived by two sisters, Ruby Anderson and Nora Cogburn both of Asheville; five brothers, Linton Summey, Jr. of Asheville, Bill Summey and Roger Summey both of Candler, Louie Summey and Jimmy Summey both of Canton; along with many loving nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Wednesday in the Patton Avenue Chapel of Groce Funeral Home with Revs. Bill Plemmons and G.H. Shope Jr. officiating. Burial will follow in Forest Lawn Memorial Park.

The family will receive friends 7-8:30 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home and at other times at her home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the National Kidney Foundation of NC, Patient Services Fund, 10 McDowell St., Asheville, NC 28801.

She will be missed by all... but forever in our hearts.