Samantha Elizabeth Poindexter, 89, of Lexington, Virginia died December 17, 2018.
She was born July 14, 1929 to the late Elizabeth Hubbard and James Curtis in Albemarle County.
Samantha had two brothers, Jessie and LeRoy Hubbard, and grew up worshiping in Randolph Street United Methodist Church. She was an independent-minded young lady, going to school in Lexington and later venturing out to the workforce. Samantha became interested in cosmetology and moved to Richmond to attend and graduate from Apex School of Cosmetology in 1948.
Upon returning to Lexington, Samantha married the late Earl Poindexter and opened the Poindexter Beauty Shop located in the basement of her home. She served the young girls and women of Rockbridge County for over 50 years. During this time, she also pursued a wide range of interests and hobbies including enjoying the local arts (plays and concerts) and photography. As a budding photographer, Samantha captured the beautiful scenery in the Rockbridge area, filling many photo albums with her work.
Samantha was preceded in death by her husband, Earl Poindexter, and her eldest son, Earl Timothy Poindexter.
She is survived by her youngest son, Kevin Theodore Poindexter (Kelli); her grandchildren, Colin Poindexter, Charles Poindexter, Chelsie Poindexter and Christopher Poindexter; and her great-granddaughter, Avery Elizabeth Poindexter.
Samantha was a life-long learner and avid reader. Even as a full-time mother and cosmetologist, she attended Dabney S. Lancaster Community College. In her words, she wanted to continue to "expand her horizons."
Samantha was an active member of the Lexington area community, serving as trustee for the Stonewall Jackson Hospital and chairman of the Lexington City School Board as well as the Lexington High School Joint Committee. She was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Lexington Lifesaving Crew and the Lexington Photography Club.
Being a woman of strong Christian faith, Samantha was an active member of Randolph Street United Methodist Church, serving as an usher and a member of the Barbara Patterson Circle. In September 2015, Samantha was honored as the Mother of the Church, which was a distinction she cherished and felt extremely honored to receive.
Samantha and Earl were dedicated parents and grandparents, traveling to what was unchartered territories for them in order to keep up with all of the family activities and special events. Even following Earl's passing, Samantha continued to travel and enjoy numerous birthday parties and special events in Philadelphia, Pa., Midlothian, Atlanta, Ga., and even NYC for the Macy's Thanksgiving parade to see her "god-granddaughter" march in the parade!
In 2013, Samantha relocated to Midlothian to live with Kevin and his family and receive the daily care and love that she needed. Not a stranger to Midlothian, the community welcomed her and Samantha became an expected attendee at any and all events. She was known to all as Gramma Sam and greeted everyone with her trademark broad and warm smile.
As her memory and daily awareness began to fade and daily care became a necessity, there was no shortage of persons who were more than willing to spend time with Grandma Sam. This spoke to her warm spirit that touched everyone that made her acquaintance.
Services for Samantha will be held on Thursday, December 27, at 11 a.m. at Randolph Street United Methodist Church. Viewing will take place for one hour starting at 10 a.m. Interment will follow the service at Evergreen Cemetery.
Arrangements are by Harrison Funeral Home & Crematory.
