Mary Jo Sams

Mary Jo Sams, of Parkersburg, WV, passed away peacefully on March 24, 2026 at Camden Clark Medical Center with Amedysis Hospice, surrounded by family and loved ones. She was born on December 28, 1937, in Roane County, WV, as the eldest daughter of the late Edith and Corder Mace and was preceded in death by her first husband, Bill Richards and her second husband, Bob Sams.

She was a member of Walker United Methodist Church in Walker, WV where she faithfully praised her savior. She loved her Lord and Savior first and foremost along with her family and many, many friends, unconditionally. Her capacity to love was unmatched and her heart of service was endless. She demonstrated this in the way she lived and always said “God will take care of you.” She loved her family and was proud of them all. She looked forward to visits and seeing their growth and achievements. Jo loved her music, including country, gospel, and bluegrass, as well as fishing, gardening, camping, cooking, and enjoying life. She was a WV Mountaineer girl who always watched every game; football, baseball, basketball; and wore her blue and gold with pride. She lived her life to the fullest everyday and made everyone feel special.

She is survived by her children, Frank (Connie) Richards of Parkersburg, Vickie (Lee) Boyles of Walker, WV; her step son, Bobby (Debbie) Sams of Weston, WV; beloved grandchildren include, Matt (Lisa) Richards, Alicia (Jon) Smith, Donnie (Goldie) Boyles, Christopher (Abby) Boyles, and Sheena Sams; great-grandchildren, Kyra, Macie, Liam, Ethan, Delaney, Killian, Teagan, Kimber, Allison, and Zethyn; two sisters, Martha Busch of Belpre, OH and Judy Sheppard of Parkersburg, WV; along with two sisters-in-law, Louise Yeager and Jean Richards as well as many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and numerous neighborhood, church, and extended family; “Bonus children” she loved like her own, endlessly and her loving friends who she held a special place in her heart, Bizu, Edna, and Patty.

Preceded in death by her infant daughters, Brenda and Debra Richards; step son, Gail Sams; grandchildren, Adam, Gavlin, Shila, Shaton, and Ben Sams; siblings, sister, Barbara Jordan; and brothers, Ralph Mace and Jimmy Mace.

Funeral Services will be held 2:00 PM, Sunday, March 29, 2026 at Lambert-Tatman Funeral Home, Green St. with Pastors Ron Dougherty and Robin McQuain officiating. Visitation will be at the funeral home from 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM.

Lambert-Tatman Funeral Home is honored to serve the family.