Laverne Gloria Sams

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Laverne Gloria Sams, age 89, of Lake Barrington, Illinois. Laverne passed away peacefully at Hillcrest Nursing Center in Round Lake Beach, Illinois.

Born in Greenville, Mississippi, to Fred Sias and Eliza Pickens Sias, Laverne lived a life defined by faith, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to serving others. She placed great value on education and public service throughout her life and career, working at the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia, where she helped support generations of students in their academic pursuits.

A proud member of Phi Delta Kappa, Laverne dedicated her life to advancing educational opportunity. As an administrator of the Board of Education’s Homeless-Education Program, she fought tirelessly for underprivileged students, most notably through her involvement in Legal Assistance v. Board of Education. Her lifelong dedication to empowering students and advocating for equity in education was recognized with high honors as an educator at Barat College.

Laverne’s impact extended well beyond her professional life. Through her work with the NAACP ACT-SO Program, she guided and mentored countless high school students toward success in postsecondary education. Her leadership, advocacy, and kindness inspired those who knew her to strive for excellence and live with purpose.

A devoted member of the Presbyterian Church of Barrington, Laverne’s faith grounded her and fueled her enduring compassion for others. She was known for her strength, wisdom, and generosity of spirit.

Laverne was preceded in death by her husband, George Henry Sams, and her son, Derek Rhodes. She is also preceded by her parents, Fred and Eliza Pickens Sias, and by her siblings Dorothy Reed, Fredie Mae Sias, Alfreeda Sias, and Fred Douglas Sias Jr. She is survived by her loving siblings Charles L. Sias and Patricia Sias Ellis, who, along with her extended cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends, will forever cherish her memory.

While she had no surviving biological children, Laverne’s life was enriched by a deeply cherished chosen family, whom she loved as her own: Joel, Silvia, Joel Jr., Israel, Angelica, Claribel and Jason Montemayor; Philip Hird; Dylon Brown; Dyson Brown; Dejuan Brown; and Marrisa Kelley. Each of them was blessed to be embraced by her love. To them, and to all who knew her, she was “Mama Laverne” and “Grandma Laverne.”

Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 8, followed immediately by a funeral service at 11:00 a.m. at the Presbyterian Church of Barrington, located at 6 Brinker Road, Barrington, Illinois. Burial will take place at 12:30pm on Monday, November 10, at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, 20953 W. Hoff Road, Elwood, Illinois, 60421. A reception hosted by Laverne’s family and friends will follow.

Laverne’s legacy of faith, education, and service will continue to shine through the many lives she touched. Her heart, her example, and her love will be forever remembered.