Marcella A. (Mayo) Sampson age 93, transitioned into eternal rest and peace on March 18, 2024, in the presence of her loving and caring daughter, Marcia. She was the fifth child of nine born to King Agrippa and Hannah Marie (Butler) Mayo in Kingman OH. In addition to her parents, all but four siblings preceded her in death and her son, Charles T. Sampson, III.
She was the wife and widow of Charles T. Sampson Jr. of Yellow Springs, OH. Her life involved wearing many hats: daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt, great aunt, AKA sorority sister, director, graduate, volunteer, faculty, reward recipient, teacher, family member, leader, mentor, and friend.
Her academic background included a Bachelor’s degree from Central State University in 1974 and a Master’s degree from the University of Dayton in 1987. In her 30 years at Central State University, Marcella was the first black woman in the State of OH to serve as a college campus Director of Career Planning and Placement. She had an annual career day event that increased company participation from 79 to 259. She facilitated career opportunities for over 6000 college graduates throughout the US. In 1981, she was the recipient of the presidential accommodation for service award by President Jimmy Carter. She chaired the YMTF program on 18 historically, black universities and colleges. Additionally, she served at CSU as the chair of coronation, the cheerleading advisor and in the national alumni relations office. She was also a volunteer in her community and a substitute teacher at Yellow Springs High School.
In 1999, after retiring from CSU, Marcella was invited by Valassis of Livonia, MI to be a member of the board of directors where she could showcase her talents and expertise. Throughout her life, she was unconditionally generous (in both words and deeds) to her family, friends, and students without an expectation of reciprocity. Her legacy of “love in action” will live on in those that she helped and guided. It was truly an honor to have known her.
She will be greatly missed by her daughters, Marcia (Fred Parker) Sampson, Joyce (Robert) Spencer and family; grandsons, Charles T. (Alisha) Sampson IV and family, Branden Nedd and family, Brad Sampson and family, Brian Nedd, Christopher (Grace) Sampson, Tyler McDermott and family, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and numerous family members and friends.
Our love for Marcella will remain in our hearts forever. It is beyond what man can define. Love is immortal and God’s gift of Marcella was divine.
Graveside Service 2:00 PM Monday, March .25, 2024 at Cherry Grove Cemetery, 1019 W. Second Street. Interment at Cherry Grove Cemetery. Ministry of Comfort entrusted to MARLAN J. GARY FUNERAL HOME, SPRINGFIELD CHAPEL, 823 S. Yellow Springs St. To read the complete obituary, order flowers, view video tribute and offer condolences to the Sampson Family, visit www.TheChapelofPeace.com
Words cannot speak the feeling of the spirit of the heart at this time. Marcella was family and more. Knowing Marcella she would not want a big to do where her soul will rest. Of course when she gets together with her friend my mom Mildred Henderson, she won’t “Rest she will be Busy”! Thank you Sampson family and especially Mr. Sampson for sharing Marcella with us. May GOD Bless all of you .Amen.
Joyce, this is Elmer underwood May God continue to order the family steps doing your time of bereavement. We think God for your mother. She was a blessing to a lot of us at Central state.
Deepest condolences to the family, if not for this Beautiful lady ,with her mentorship and beliefs in the young man I was ,I would have never known my potential.
I can hear her words as I write this. Steve Bayless , you are something special ,always remember that . Words can’t describe what she did for me . I will always be greatful for your guidance. Love you and will miss you.
Rest well my Friend.
My condolences to the family. She was a great lady.
She will truly be missed ❤️❤️❤️
Ms Sampson, got me my first job when I graduated from CSU. I have never forgotten that. My condolences goes out to the family and GOD bless her and the family.
To the Sampson family, I wish to express my sincere condolences to each of you. I am truly saddened and I am sorry for your loss. Ms. Sampson was an inspiration to me, and is largely responsible for my career successes. She was a mother to me, mentor, friend and confidant. Marcella Sampson was truly an icon at Central State University. I also had the pleasure of working with and for her.
May God continue to bless each of you and know that nothing can separate you from his love.
My condolences to the family ❤️ Mom Marcella was a big part of my life growing up. She taught me so much. I will deeply miss the special bond we had. I’m glad that I got to spend the last few hours with her…the smile she gave me when she heard my voice and her calling out my name when she thought I was leaving her. Marcia you did a great job of taking care of mom…she always said over the years that you always had her back and you did always ❤️ You’re at Peace now ❤️❤️
Sending condolences and prayers for peace and comfort to the Sampson family. I felt like part of the family as I worked alongside Mrs. Sampson for 25 years in the Career Services Center. I received so much knowledge from what I called her fireside chats. Through her coaching and training, I was blessed to be her successor and continue the traditions she created. Each time I successfully perform a task at work, I always remember that she imparted that knowledge in me. Mrs. Sampson you will always be fondly remembered by me!
My sincere condolences goes out to the family and friends of the GREAT MARCELLA SAMPSON. We have lost a giant but her life’s work will live on forever. Mom Sampson was great because she had a heart to serve others whether it was the students at CSU or her family and friends.
Ms Sampson changed the trajectory of my life from the time I met her my freshman year in 1982. I can’t name all the she did to help me on life’s journey because time would not allow. However, I will say she made a way for me to get an internship the summer of 1983 in Des Moines IA working for IBM. She got a city boy from Baltimore to go to Des MoinesShe always gave me an opportunity to speak at Career Day Convocation. She help me improve my writing skills by evaluating my work and providing helpful suggestions.
She was MY “MOM” away from home so she loved me, she encouraged me, she laughed and cried with me, she hugged me and told me I could achieve at a high level. And on occasion she would admonish me too. In other words, she did it all for me. As I sit here sending this note of appreciation my eyes are filled with tears but not tears of sorrow but rather tears of JOY. Weeping may endure for a night but JOY comes in the morning. In closing, Mom Sampson lived not only a long life but more importantly a GREAT LIFE of IMPACTHer legacy is cemented in the annals of time and I can hear those final words being uttered WELL-DONE thy good and faithful servant❤️❤️❤️
PS- I will miss seeing Ms Sampson during homecoming because Vartez Little and I would always make our way to her house❤️❤️❤️
My prayers and love go out to the Sampson family. My aunt Marcella was a bright light and positively changed the lives of many people. She will be truly missed but never never never ever forgotten. I will always cherish the love and joy she brought to our family. On behalf of the Mayo family rest in peace aunt Marcella.
My message is of celebration for the long, and well-lived life of Marcella Sampson. I knew her as a wife, a mother, a coach, a cheerleader, a mentor and, when necessary, a really tough “mom.” She provided me a foundation I needed to not only have success in my career, but also to pay it back to those who would follow us at CSU. She was supremely knowledgable, tireless, and fierce…a true force to be reckoned with. I am extremely grateful and will always love her. RIP Mrs. Sampson. Also sending love and peace to Joyce and Marcia.
We extend our deepest sympathy to the family of Marcella Sampson. Mrs. Sampson received her wings, and now rests from labor. We extend our love to the family. May God comfort you during the days ahead.
To aunt Marcella, I was going on my first cruise and she had gone on many so I asked her for advice on what to wear and what went on. She gave me more than that. She gave me a gold outfit. It has been years ago but I still have it. I will always have it. Love and miss you. Your niece Vickie
My prayers and condolences are extended to the Marcella Sampson Family and friends. Mrs. Sampson was my mentor and supervisor during my days at Central State University. She taught me many important lessons. Rest in Peace Beautiful Lady.
It is truly remarkable to reflect upon the life of such an extraordinary woman that Christine and I was blessed to have known and loved for over 50 years. In the beginning, during our early days as freshmen at Central State University, through our journey as a married couple, Mrs. Sampson has provided us with invaluable advice, guidance, wisdom, and friendship. We are grateful for the special moments and memories we shared with her throughout our life. We will miss that beautiful smile and soft but firm voice of our beloved friend, Marcella Sampson. Rest now in peace, our good and faithful servant.
Aunt Marcella is of my Blood, Family, and Spirit. She cared for me as a baby, educated us as adults, and created everlasting friendships in the journey of her life. As with Grandma Mayo, I will never let my dear Aunti go; for, her words of wisdom and sage advice will always be in my mind and heart. I Love you Aunt Marcella. We all miss your caring, sharing, and Loving ways.
* Thank you cousin Joyce.
My deepest and dearest condolences to the family of Mrs. Sampson. I consider myself extremely blessed to have known her after being introduced by my Fraternity Brother Alvin Street during my freshman year at CSU. She always put the well being of her students first by helping them dream big, then to put the work in to accomplish their professional goals. My first resume, cover letter and interview were established at the hands of Mrs. Sampson.
I love her dearly and she will certainly be missed by all of her students. For God, For Central, For State!
Ian Bullock
Condolences and prayers to the Sampson Family. Mrs. Sampson was certainly a beacon of light within the CSU family and most certainly within her family circle! Sending prayers of peace to her loved one’s!! 4G4C4S!!
From the Cut-Throat Nation, we would like to offer our Condolences to the Sampson’s Family. We “SALUTE” Mrs. Marcella Sampson. Great Job.
Zack#80
Dwight & Audrey Castille Our prayers and condolences may God’s spirit comfort the family during this time.
My condolences to the Sampson Family. Mrs Sampson was a very special person in my life. I was so blessed to spend time with her during my Jr and Sr years at Central State in the Career Service Office as I was trying to establish a post graduate working career. Mrs Sampson was very supportive, encouraging, and always willing to help me be the best I could be in order to be successful. Thanks to her efforts, I was able to find my way in the business world. I will always treasure these special memories of her FOREVER. Rest in Peace…. Mrs Sampson.
My condolences to the Sampson family. May God love/comfort & carry you through this difficult time. Ms.Sampson always was a wonderful, pleasant spirit. Always a encouraging, motivating,positive spirit to us all. Love❤ you & thank you so much.
We are deeply saddened by the recent loss of your Mother. Mrs. Sampson was a truly remarkable woman who lived a long wonderful life. She was a bright light in this world. Frequently, we hear how she helped change the lives of many Central State Students.
Mrs. Sampson’s legacy now lives on in her children, grandchildren, and all the other lives she touched.
May you all find strength and solace in the memories you share together. With deepest and heartfelt condolences.
In Memory of our dear friend, Marcella Sampson from her colleagues on the Valassis Communications, Inc. Board of Directors. Marcella was an outstanding board member, always prepared and ready for meetings where we benefited from her wisdom, experience and ideas. After board meetings, she always spent time with employees, listening to their concerns and reassuring them about the direction of the Company. With Honor and Love, Al Schultz, Bob Recchia, Ken Darish, Joe Anderson and Barry Hoffman.
To the Sampson family my sincere condolences. You know how much your Mom meant to me as I have also called Ms Sampson my Mom. She is the reason why I had such a successful career. She will be greatly missed. Her passing is not by accident but a call from the Lord that her mission is done here on earth for there is a greater calling the Lord has for her. We will all see her again just not now.
With Love
Major Ron B. Crowder
March 24, 2024
Thank God for her life and her influence on me.She gave me direction that I think about all the time.Rest in Peace.
Thank You
Michael Tucker
Darrin Mayo Sr.
My heart and Soul is Mayo! My father’s favorite Sister, Aunt Marcella.
My Aunt had her own way of doing things and most of all she was the Spinal Cord of her Children, Grandchildren, Great Grandchildren, and so many more! I never knew Auntie followed my College and Professional Career. I do know that She was as successful as successful could be!! Auntie You are missed Already. Rest in Your other Life.
Forever. Bigg Mayo.
I am so sorry to learn of the loss of Mrs. Sampson. She was a very warm, funny, loving and wise lady. I learned a lot from her. She was a great mentor and a wonderful cheerleading coach. It was hard to not love her.
Rest in peace Mrs. Sampson.