Joyce Sams

Joyce Ann Henson Sams, age 68, of Big Island Road, Forest City, NC, died Thursday, September 22, 2011 at Cleveland Regional Medical Center.
Joyce was born March 14, 1943 in Spartanburg County, SC to the late George Henson and Ada Louise Petty. She was a graduate of Chase High School, class of 1960, and received a Masters Degree in Psychology from Gardner-Webb University in 1999. She also attended and graduated from Isothermal Community College and Converse College. She was a social worker and child psychologist for over 20 years, having worked for the PATH Shelter, Hospice, Rutherford Hospital and Home Care Management. She and her late husband, William took care of over 50 foster children throughout the years. She was also a member of Holly Springs Baptist Church. Joyce's life was full of love for others.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 20 years, William Reid Sams.
Survivors include her two sons, Scott Sams and wife, Ruth of Rutherfordton and Tony Sams and wife, Terri of Lake Wylie, SC; an adopted daughter, April Stephens and husband, Wesley of Caroleen; one brother, Don Henson of Sandy Mush and one sister, Ann Hyder of Rutherfordton. She is also survived by eight grandchildren, Rachel Sams, Sarah Sams, Daniel Sams, Vanna Sams, Gretta Sams, Alana Whelchel, Alex Whelchel and Darrin Whelchel.