Nancy Claire Sams

Nancy Claire Sams, 72, of Asheville, died Saturday, March 15, 2003, in an Asheville hospital following a brief illness. Miss Sams was born March 19, 1930, in Buncombe County to the late Clay C. and Rhoda Ammons Sams. She was retired from the Asheville City Schools where she was a Media Specialist and teacher for more than 25 years. She was a member of First Baptist Church. A 1943 graduate of Lee H. Edwards High School, Claire earned her A.B. Degree from Mars Hill College, her B.A. Degree from Furman University, and her Masters in Education from Western Carolina University. She also completed graduate courses at Appalachian State University. Miss Sams was recognized in Who’s Who in Library Services, the International Scholars Directory, Outstanding Educators in America, and Who’s Who of American Women. She was a member of the Fidelis Chapter of Alpha Delta Kappa Sorority and was honored with the Silver Sister Award in 1985. She was also a member of the American Association of Retired Persons, the North Carolina Retired Government Employees Association, and the North Carolina Retired School Personnel Association. Miss Sams is survived by cousins, Virginia Vandiver of Asheville, Judson Ammons of Hendersonville, and Dr. Helen Udell of Dania, FL. Funeral services will be at 2:00 pm Tuesday in the Patton Avenue chapel of Groce Funeral Home with the Rev. Robbin Mundy of First Baptist Church officiating. Burial will be at West Memorial Park, Weaverville. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Blue Ridge Broadcasting, PO Box 159, Black Mountain, NC 28711, or to The Salvation Army, 204 Haywood Street, Asheville, NC 28801.