A memorial service for Mrs. Eloise DeVaughn Samuels, age 93 of Lineville, will be held on Friday, June 11, 2021 at Benefield Funeral Home in Lineville with her friends and family officiating. There will be a “Time of Remembrance” starting at 5:30 P.M. until service time where memories of her remarkable life are encouraged to be shared.
Eloise graduated from the University of Montevallo in 1949, earning a B. A. degree in Sociology and English, with a minor in Education. After graduation, she worked three years for Clay County Board of Education as School Attendance Supervisor.
In 1952, she was married to William E. (Ed) Samuels of Ashland. He began his profession as a Chemical Engineer for Phillips Petroleum in Dumas, TX, where they lived for two years prior to his four years of service with the U.S. Navy. After Ed’s release of duty, they returned to Texas where Ed resumed his previous job and Eloise taught Senior English.
At each location Ed worked, Eloise taught in the high schools and middle schools, originally as an English teacher and then later as a substitute. She quickly earned a reputation as everyone’s favorite sub, and has touched hearts across the nation from Tennessee to Texas, and even across the globe to Southeast Asia. Eloise had a trademark of inspiring students everywhere to excel through her winsome personality, and earnest desire to sow goodness in the lives of all she encountered.
Eloise was adamant to “never put off till tomorrow anything that can be done today”. She took great joy in the care of all that had been given to her, indoors and outdoors alike. Everyone from Texas to Alabama knew that when you entered her house you were expected to take your shoes off first, and not touch the glass with your fingers! Caring for her yard was her pride and joy though, as was evident to anyone passing by the fruits of her labor. Meticulous maintenance was a DeVaughn trait inherited over five generations with deep respect for all of God’s gifts in nature. When Ed & Eloise retired and began chopping into the acres of overgrowth at her homeplace, most did not know there was a babbling brook underneath the mountain of kudzu that obscured it. But after making their vision into the landmark it is today, it is hard to remember that picturesque spot ever having been any different. Her impact in this passion will be felt far beyond her 93 years, as she worked tirelessly at her landscaping projects all the way to the beginning her hospice last month.
She was preceded in death by not only her husband Ed, but also by her dear sister Elaine Mendenhall, brother-in-law George Mendenhall Sr, and the untimely death of her nephew Eddie Mendenhall and his wife Jane Mendenhall.
Her survivors include son Vaughn Samuels, nephew George Mendenhall Jr, niece Molly Suling, and Jessie & Keene Mendenhall, daughter & son of Eddie & Jane Mendenhall.
Eloise was a member of Lineville Baptist Church ever since she and her husband returned to Clay County in 1993.
Eloise also requested that instead of flowers, a monetary donation to Hospice of Clay County would be appreciated as a lasting opportunity to bless others in their dire moment of need, as the Samuels family was recently blessed themselves.
Benefield Funeral Home in Lineville is in charge of arrangements.
