Ms. Diane Samuels

Sister Diane Samuels, 76 of Grandview, Missouri the second of four children, was born to the union of Leonard Williams and Katie Edwards Williams in Longview, Texas on November 23, 1948. The family moved to Tenaha, Texas at an early age. She departed this earthly life on Wednesday July 3, 2025, at St. Luke’s East Hospital in Lee’s Summit, MO. She confessed to Christ at an early age and united with the St. John Baptist Church in Tenaha. She was active in all phases of church service: Sunday School, Baptist Training Union (BTU) and Starlight Band. She attended the schools in Tenaha, Texas and graduated valedictorian of Booker T. Washington High School in 1967. She was very active in all areas of student life and was a member of the basketball team. She attended Prairie View A & M College in Prairie View, Texas. She married Deacon Richard Samuels in 1971 and joined him in Kansas City, Missouri. They just recently celebrated their 54th wedding anniversary. To their union two children were born. In Kansas City she united with Fellowship Baptist Church. In September 2024 she was honored as a 50 year member. She was very active in all areas of church life. She was an adult Sunday School teacher, retiring in September 2019 with over 40 years of service. She was an active member of the Women’s Mission groups having served in most leadership roles. She was very active in both morning and evening bible study groups. Sister Samuels was a very caring and loving individual, always ready and willing to assist in any way she could. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend. She began her work career as a Head Start Teacher at Tenaha Elementary School. Upon moving to Kansas City she gained employment with Sears Roebuck and Company on 18th street. She later found employment at Hallmark Cards as a Display Planner and the United States Census Bureau (from where she retired) as a Field Representative. She was preceded in death by both parents, a brother Earvin Williams, a niece Selena Williams, and special cousin/sister Sharon Dones. Her memory will forever be cherished by her husband Richard of the home, one daughter, Bridgette Smith (Kalvin Sr.) of Lake Saint Louis, Missouri, one son Jarred Samuels (LaTonya) of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, five grandchildren Kendall, Madison and Jackson Samuels of Lee’s Summit and Evaughn and Kalvin Jr. (KJ) Smith of Lake Saint Louis, two sisters Shirley King of Missouri City, Texas and Linda Williams of Stafford, Texas, one aunt Patrie Wilson of Ferris, Texas, one sister-in-law Mavet Samuels of Houston, Texas and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, church family and friends. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, July 12, 2025, 11am at Fellowship Baptist Church. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation from 9am-11am at the church. Services conducted by Lawrence A. Jones & Sons Funeral Chapel. Condolences may be shared on our website.

Ms. Diane Samuels

November 23, 1948 - July 3, 2025