Obituary of Samantha Simms

Samantha Simms, September 16, 1954 – January 3, 2024, leaves behind her beloved husband of 34 years, Perry, whom she adored; her children, Frank (Jeanine) Murawski, Jason Murawski; Charlie (Stacy) Simms, and Casey (Gamper) Linge. She also Leaves her brother, Clarence Herald, sister, Rachel Dunbar and sister-in-law, Marge Combs. Sam was predeceased by her sister, Julie Herald, brother Darrell Herald, and her parents, William and Florence Herald.

“Sam” enjoyed having many, many, aunts and uncles, nieces, nephews and great nieces, great nephews and cousins with whom she kept in regular contact. She was overjoyed by each new baby that was added to her family. As is evidenced by this group, her Family Reunion was one of the high points of her year each June. In addition to family, Sam loved and was loved by her many friends and looked forward to yard “saling” on Saturday mornings and meeting everyone for breakfast each weekend in years past. Sam relished a good deal!

In 2009, Sam retired from Southgate Schools and her job as head custodian and President of her bargaining unit. She was dedicated to ensuring the fairness and proper treatment of all her members, was valued by the building staffs where she worked, and loved by the kids in the schools where she was.

At home, Sam loved to do crafts! She was very creative and made many beautiful decorations. She is famous for her signature bows and her love of Bling. Later in her life, she found that she had a talent for painting and painted many landscape and wildlife paintings which she shared with friends.

Sam had a strong faith which she leaned on in times of sadness. Many times, she has been known to say, “I’m praying for you”, or “I’ll pray about that.” She was loving and supportive to all she valued. Sam believed in treating people with fairness, kindness, and dignity. In other words, a life well lived, and gone too soon. Rest in peace, dear Sam.

A visitation will be on Tuesday, January 9, 2024, from 1:00 pm until the funeral at 3:00 pm at Oak Ridge Funeral Care, Haines City, Florida.