James A. Samuel Jr.

October 4, 1950 - February 5, 2018

Minister James A. Samuel, Jr. was born in Blythewood, SC on October 4, 1950 and was the eldest son of the late Deacon James A. and Elizabeth Tidwell Samuel, Sr. He went Home to be with the Lord on February 5, 2018. “Jimmy”, as he was affectionately known, was educated in the public schools of Richland County, SC and furthered his studies at Midlands Technical College. He joined Little Zion Baptist Church at an early age. James was appointed Deacon under the leadership of the late Reverend Willie Lee Starks. Later, he accepted The Call into The Gospel Ministry under Eddie W. Davis’s pastorate. Minister Samuel, Jr. lead the Bus Ministry and Noon Day Prayer. He was on the Gospel Choir, served the Little Zion Daycare and Christian Academy, taught Bible Study and Sunday School, participated in intercessory prayer, the Drama and Men’s Ministries and the Men of Hope Organization. He had a heart for helping others and loved children. He loved his family and church family and remained faithful to both until his death. Minister Samuel, Jr. was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Elaine Bright. Left to cherish precious memories are: his loving wife, Joyce Kershaw Samuel; two sons, James A. Samuel, III (Ivy Jones) and Henry (Shavonne) Samuel; a daughter, Shawna (Ricardo) Holmes, Jr.; three brothers, Douglas (Delois), Roger (Serita) and Ray (Vanessa) Samuel; a sister, Carolyn (The Reverend Robert) Entzminger, Sr.; three sisters-in-law, Carolyn Samuel, Elizabeth Canzater and Alice Kershaw; eight grandchildren; a great grand child; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other loving relatives and friends.