Felita Sampson

Felita “Lisa” Sampson was born on May 26, 1963, to Oliver D. Smith, Sr., and Rebecca Jean Harmon Smith. On Friday, August 21, 2026, Lisa peacefully transitioned to glory at Tidal Health in Salisbury, Maryland, surrounded by her devoted husband and loving family.
Affectionately known as “Lisa,” she will forever be remembered for her loving spirit, generous heart, infectious personality, and the many lives she has touched.

Lisa received her education through Laurel School District and earned her high school diploma from James H. Grove High School in Georgetown, Delaware. She met the love of her life, William H. “Bill” Sampson and they were united in marriage on March 12, 1983. They shared 43 wonderful years of marriage and 48 years together. Their union blessed them with two beloved daughters, Shamika and Faydria Sampson, who were the pride and joy of their lives.

Throughout her life, Lisa was a dedicated and hardworking woman. She held several positions including with The Salvation Army DDP, where she proudly served for 20 years before retiring. She later dedicated 10 years to the Foster Grandparent Program, where she served as a kindergarten aide. Her love for children and her desire to make a difference were evident in the care and kindness she showed to everyone around her.

Sister Felita was saved and exemplified a life dedicated to Christ. She was faithful member of Jesus Is Lord Church of Deliverance for 36 years under the leadership and guidance of Apostle Bonnie Bigelow. She held the distinction of being one of the first eight members within the ministry and served in many capacities including on the Hospitality Committee, the Pastor’s Aide Committee, as a Choir Member, and was an active participant with Jesus Empowers Women.

When the ministry transitioned in leadership, Sister Felita’s faithfulness never wavered. She continued to serve her Pastor, Dr. Terrell Holmes. Sister Felita loved the Lord, her Pastor, and the ministry. She made herself available whenever asked and served with a willing heart.

Lisa loved to travel and enjoyed creating beautiful memories with her family and friends. Her favorite destinations included the Bahamas, Hawaii, Aruba, and Las Vegas. Music was another one of Lisa’s greatest joys, but she had a special passion for cooking. She found great joy in seeing the smiles on people's faces while they enjoyed her prepared meals. Her signature dishes included macaroni and cheese, turkey casserole, and fried chicken.

Along with her husband, Bill, they were well known for their catering and barbecue business – Gifted Hands Catering and Barbecue. Lisa and Bill were familiar faces at the Apple Scrapple Festival in Bridgeville, Delaware, where they shared their food, laughter, and love with the community for 28 years.

Lisa was preceded in death by her parents, Oliver D. Smith, Sr. and Rebecca Jean Harmon Smith; her stepmother, Helen Smith; her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Frank and Cora Ann Sampson; her sister, Blenda Smith; her sister-in-law, Diane Strand; her brother-in-law, Paul Sampson; and her spiritual brother, Apostle Randolph Jones.

Lisa leaves to cherish her memory her loving and devoted husband, William Sampson; her daughters, Shamika and Faydria Sampson; six grandchildren, Desiree Sampson, Deja Sampson, Shemaiah Sampson, Shamir Sampson, Faizon Sampson, and Sage Hitchens; three great-grandchildren; two godchildren, Carlos Farlow and Sean Lambert; seven bonus children, Kaslo Grant, Nekicia Wanzer (Jack), Donna Hitchens-Eley (James), Damon Smith, Johnathan Jones, Jessica Kearse, and Brandi Kearse; and nine bonus grandchildren.

She also leaves to cherish her memory her siblings, Oliver Smith, Jr., Daryl Smith (Michelle), Kim Smith, Sonia Smith, Anita Mitchell (Alfred), Carol Duffy (Darryl), Richard Mills (Sylvia), and Keith Mills (Rhonda); her brothers-in-law, Frank Sampson (Mary) and Dennis Sampson; her sister-in-law, Linda Dixon; her special circle of friends known as “The Sally’s,” including Rhonda Reynolds, Beverly Banks, her dance partner, Josephine Holmes, Vanessa Harris, Nicole Hudson, and her sister, Sonia; her lifelong friends, Paulette Parker, Letha Davis, Joyce Winder, Troy Smith, Teddy and Vanessa Harris, and Pastor Helena Bailey; her spiritual mother, Apostle Bonnie Jesus Bigelow; her beloved Tabernacle family; and a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and extended family members who will forever cherish the memories they shared with her.