Debora Sampson Obituary (1949

A common theme throughout the life of “Debora Ann White” was the light given to her by God that shined so brightly inside and out. Throughout her life, those blessed with the opportunity to share her presence were warmed and nourished by this light. Debbie began this life of illumination as the oldest of six children born to Betty and John White in Cincinnati, Ohio on April 22, 1949. Later, Christine and James Graves, their son, James Graves Jr., and their daughter Patricia (Graves) Van Arsdale welcomed a young Debbie and her sister Bobbie into their home as the children’s new foster parents. It was in the care of the Graves that all the household’s children began their life of service and devotion to the Lord. This strong Christian experience would guide Debbie throughout her life. From an educational perspective, Debbie’s light began to shine in the Cincinnati, Ohio Public School System, where she graduated from Wyoming High School in 1967. Debbie’s innate desire for service manifested early in life, motivating her to attend Ohio University in Athens, Ohio, where she obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree in Medical Technology. Throughout her educational experiences she was a student leader, an organizer, a polished public speaker, an accomplished and competitive cheerleader and first Black Captain at both the high school and collegiate level. Upon graduation, Debbie began her professional career as a Medical Technologist at Jewish Hospital in Cincinnati. The shine of her kind, and helpful spirit made the transition to a human resources professional natural when she worked for Allstate. An accomplishment she achieved while being dedicated to her role at Allstate, was obtaining her Master of Arts degree in Human Resources & Organizational Development from Webster University. She continued in her career in human resources at Johns Hopkins and Dimensions Healthcare in Organizational Development. Debbie was a virtuous Christian woman. Her light was continuously fortified through the church and her relationship with God. One of the beautiful things about her beginning in the church is that it provided the perfect opportunity for her to reconnect with all of her sisters from adolescence to adulthood to sing praises together as a group called “The White Sister’s”. Like her namesake Deborah from the Bible who was endowed with many gifts, the church also bestowed upon Debbie many gifts, the most important of which being the introduction to her life’s love, Allen Sampson. No matter where in the country her professional pursuits took her, she always secured a church home where she was faithful and active. She had a few church homes that were close to her heart; from Mt. Zion Baptist in Lockland, OH, to Pilgrim Baptist in St. Paul MN, ST Paul A.M.E. in Glencoe Il, and Mt. Olive A.M.E. in Annapolis MD. Whether it was the first Vacation Bible School, Christmas Program, Black History Month Celebration, Sunday School Superintendent and Teacher, Women’s Day Chair, Choir Member and Director, Steward, or the Co-Chair Captain of the Capital Campaign, or just praying for and encouraging others, the church benefitted, and Debbie truly remained a good and faithful servant. Debbie’s light glowed most brightly in the care and love that she always showed her family. This great source of joy came not only from her marriage to Allen of 39 years, but also from her greatest accomplishment, the creation of her children Nichole Angela Sampson, Michael Allen Sampson, and her granddaughter, Noelle Anjali Sampson, all hold a very special place in her heart. Debbie was preceded in death by her father and mother John and Betty White, her foster parents James and Christine Graves, and her sister Constance Lowe. She is survived by her husband, Allen Sampson, her children, Nichole Angela, Michael Allen, and her granddaughter, Noelle Anjali, her siblings Barbara McKinney (Michael), Victoria Gentry (Gary), Evelyn Bailey (Greg), John White (Cheryl), and Patti Van Arsdale, a host of nieces, nephews, and relatives, her God children and many friends and co-workers. Each person who has ever gotten a chance to meet Debbie, individually and collectively, will celebrate the blessing which was the light God allowed her to shine on them; a light we can all take and then shine on others.