Lori Phillips Samples

Lori Phillips Samples

     Lori Phillips Samples, 54, of Boaz, AL, went home to rest with her personal Lord and Savior on April 3^rd, 2023.

     Lori was born on January 28, 1969, to Charles and Johnnie Beth Phillips in Altus, Oklahoma.  Nearly three years later, Lori welcomed her younger brother Patrick J. Phillips.  She spent her childhood participating as a Brownie Scout, playing softball, and all things one might consider typical.  However, the word typical does not describe Lori.  Lori was extraordinary! 

     Graduating in the Boaz High School Class of 1987, Lori had an incredible zest for life that overflowed to all around her.  She graduated from Jacksonville State University in 1991, with a degree in Elementary Education.  She later achieved a Master’s Degree from The University of Alabama.  Lori began teaching at Boaz Elementary School, as a kindergarten teacher, in 1998.  She was currently completing her 25^th year teaching and absolutely loved all of her students! 

     With many accomplishments in her life to be celebrated, Lori was most proud of her daughter, Emma, and her grandson, Jaxon.  Emma, born in 1997, truly was her pride and joy, and Lori could not have been happier…that is until Emma and Matt were blessed with Jaxon and Lori became ‘Lolly’.  Jaxon just celebrated his first birthday on April 5^th, but rest assured that Lolly celebrated Jaxon’s birth every single day of the last year and was excited planning for his 1^st birthday party.  Her heart was consumed with love for them, and all of her family and friends, yet she still somehow found more love to share with the many fur babies she rescued, fostered, sheltered and rehabilitated over the years.  Lori contributed so much love and joy to her family, many close friends, co-workers, students, and her church family.

     A devoted member of Bethlehem FCM Church, Walnut Grove, AL, Lori offered herself to be of service to the Lord and a light to others.  Singing God’s praises, worshiping His name, with the Holy Spirit always welcome, Lori felt she could worship freely with her church family and loved them deeply.  Most importantly, though, is the love that she had for God.  While reflecting on memories, be reminded of the promises we have and the victory Lori now has.  She has won!  What a day of rejoicing!

     This isn’t to say that with the passing of a loved one or friend, that we will not feel sadness and grief, but should stand as a reminder and encourage any who may not have accepted Christ as their personal savior to do so.  Revelation 21:4 says, “God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes, and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.” 

     Left to cherish her memory is her daughter, Emma Kate (Matt) Harrison; grandson, Jaxon Levi Harrison; parents Charles Lee Phillips and Johnnie Beth Phillips; brother, Patrick Joseph Phillips; nieces, Anna Clare Phillips and Julia Catherine Phillips; as well as many uncles, aunts, cousins, friends, students, co-workers, and fur babies.   

The funeral service will be held on April 6^th, at McRae Funeral Home, Boaz, AL, at 4pm.  Family and friends will be received prior, for visitation, from 1pm to 4pm.  Pastor David Smith and Pastor Jimmy Allison will be officiating the services.  Pallbearers will be Bobby Tuck, Mark Smith, Matthew Phillips, Matt Holland, Bear Bartlett, Byron Gilliland and Steve Harper.  The graveside service will immediately follow at Bethlehem FCM Church, Walnut Grove, AL.   The family would like to especially thank Lori’s Pastor, David Smith, who was by her side and made every effort to save her life, at her departure.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you make donations to Second Chance Pet Shelter.