Alma V. Samuels Obituary (1926

Our Mother passed away quietly on November 10, 2023 at the age of 97. Throughout her lifetime of unwavering faith in God, she was blessed with grace, strength, compassion and a kind and generous heart. She was a devoted Mother, Grandmother and Great Grandmother who was filled with a spirit of unconditional love for every member of her family. She taught us to take pride in our talents, obtain an education and have a career to support ourselves. She helped all members of the family gain respect for God, life and others. Mother was born, Alma Viola Glenn, in Little Rock, Arkansas on April 6, 1926 to Albert and Willie Marie Glenn. Her parents joined the Great Migration North and settled in Chicago, Illinois where she grew up with her nine brothers and sisters. Alma attended Carter Elementary School and DuSable High School on the south side of Chicago. It was at DuSable that she met Leroy Wyatt Edgerton, who was a drum major for the high school band, and she was a majorette. They married, lived in Chicago, Illinois and Gary, Indiana and had three daughters--Carmelita, Michelle and Camille. Alma dedicated her life to being a loving Mother who excelled at motherhood and was the foundation of the family--whether it was supporting Carmelita through college; or encouraging Michelle to pursue a career in business or Camille to dedicate her life to social justice. She was our cheerleader and supporter. Alma was employed by the University of Chicago's Comptroller's Office in the Payroll Department. Later, she met and married, the love of her life, George W. Samuels, who predeceased her in June, 1986. After his passing, Alma retired and relocated to Bloomington, Illinois in 1988. She volunteered at the Bloomington Daycare Center and joined First Christian Church. Alma loved tropical fish and enjoyed country line dancing, baton twirling, sewing, ceramics, and reading. Since 2015, Alma has lived with her devoted daughter, Camille Taylor and son-in-law, Arthur Taylor. Their love, care and devotion extended her longevity and the quality of her life. Her mantra was to "treat others as you want to be treated". She was an angel and has left an undeniable void in all of our lives. Alma is survived by her daughters, Carmelita, Michelle (Louis), and Camille, (Arthur); her sister, Barbara Lattimore; seven grandchildren, Tanya (David) Ehrlich, Eric (LeAnita) Garner, Nicole Garner, Batisha (Tim) Mack, Christopher Mason, Stephanie (Jeremy) Jackson, Kimberly (Rich) Stewart; and great grandchildren, Isaiah Garner, Taylor Ehrlich, Justin Garner, Devin Ehrlich, Kaleb Garner, Ariel Mason, Anadai Mason, Jeremy Jackson, Alyssa Minarini, Jace Stewart, Logan Garner, Laiyah Jackson, Jeremiah Stewart, and Daniel Stewart, as well as a host of other relatives and friends. Alma was well loved. A Celebration of Life will be held on December 9, 2023 with visitation two hours before the 1:30 service at First Christian Church located at 401 W. Jefferson St., Bloomington, Illinois. In remembrance of Alma. The family requests that donations be made to either First Christian Church or Illinois State University's Multicultural Center's Alma V. Samuels Family Room. Please view the obituary and share your condolences and memories online at www.calvertmemorial.com