Sammie Lou Whitley

Sammie Lou Whitley, age 86, of Euless, Texas, passed away peacefully on May 11, 2025, surrounded by her beloved family. It is beautifully fitting that she chose to leave this world on Mother’s Day, as being a devoted and loving mother was the role she cherished most in her life.

Born on July 23, 1938, in Shreveport, Louisiana, Sammie was a woman of great strength, wisdom, and unwavering optimism. She earned her doctorate in education and went on to serve as vice principal at Harwood Junior High, where she touched countless lives with her grace, leadership, and insight. She was known for sharing her beloved philosophy of “life’s wheel” with students and strangers alike, always offering encouragement and perspective to those in need.

Sammie found deep joy in her time spent at Lake Lavon, where she delighted in hosting friends and family, creating memories filled with warmth, laughter, and love. Her mantra—“Leave every person, place, or thing better for having known you, one world at a time”—was not just something she said, but something she lived every single day.

She is survived by her children, John and Laura Whitley, Julia and Don Garey, and Amy and Todd Cohn; her step-son, Steve Whitley; her grandchildren, Trey and Courtney Sanford, Morgan, John, and Lauren Whitley, Asher and Alyssa Cohn; great-grandchildren, Julia and Jackie Sanford; great-great grandchild, Ashton Davis; and many loving nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Lucile Seward and William Roy Hornsby; her husband, Bill Whitley; her brothers, John Park and Roger Hornsby; and her sister, Nell Sartor.

Services 11:00 am Tuesday, May 20, 2025 at Lucas Funeral Home, 1321 Precinct Line Road, Hurst Texas, with burial to follow at Grove Hill in Dallas. The family will receive friends at 9:30 am prior to the service. Sammie will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing and loving her.