Thursday, June 4, 2026 2:26 pm

Laurel Ellen Hart Sams, age 69, died suddenly on May 28, 2026, in Asheville, NC. Known as Laura to all her friends and family, she is survived by her husband of 39 years, Raymond Odell Sams of Shelby, NC; her only daughter, Holly Lynn Sams and her partner Cassie Hendrick of Shelby, NC; and her sister, Janet Camille Hart, of Wasilla, Alaska.

Laura was also very close to Raymond's children, Candice Sams Tony, her husband Phil Tony, and daughter Madison Tony; and Allison Sams Splawn, her husband John Splawn, and children McKiah and Callan Splawn; members of the extended Sams family in Rutherford County; and many cousins who lived across the country.

Laura was preceded in death by her mother, Eunice Brooks Hart, and father, Joseph Thomas Hart, both of Boiling Springs; and her maternal grandparents, Arthur and Matilda Brooks, of Swainsville, NC.

Laura was born in New York City on May 16, 1957. She grew up in Shelby and Boiling Springs, NC where she worked at The Snak Shop and The Pantry. She graduated in 1975 from Crest High School and went on to study at Cleveland Community College. She built a career as an inventory auditor for convenience stores.

Laura and Raymond enjoyed going to NASCAR races, taking trips in their RV, and going to the beach. Raymond said that she made him the person he is today and they loved each other very much.

Laura loved her daughter, Holly, so much and she was so proud of her. Holly, who was a star athlete at Crest High School, played softball, volleyball, and basketball, and Laura never missed one of Holly's games or anything that Holly was involved in.

As a lifelong Shelby resident, Laura had a wide circle of friends with whom she enjoyed playing cards and going to Ocean Lakes. She also enjoyed keeping her flowers looking beautiful, decorating her house for all the holidays, watching Atlanta Braves baseball games, and shopping at yard sales and thrift stores with her lifelong best friend, Janice Holland Beam. Laura was the organizer of all family holidays and events. She loved dogs and doted on her fur baby, Riley, and her granddogs, Hank and Finley.

Laura believed in organ donation and her kidneys will give new life to the individuals who received them. She will be greatly missed by everyone who knew her. Raymond and Holly would like to thank everyone who has sent messages and food, visited, and called. They appreciate your support during this difficult time.

The family will receive friends at Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home on Sunday, May 31, 2026 from 3:00-4:30 PM.

Burial will be held privately at Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church.

Online condolences may be placed at www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com.

Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home is serving the family.