Big Stone Gap, VA – Mary Louise Sampson, 84, passed away on Saturday, October 17, 2026 at Holston Valley Hospital, Kingsport, TN with her family by her side. She was a lifelong resident of Big Stone Gap, VA. She was a homemaker and loved sewing, quilting, cooking and canning, and took great pride in caring for her home. She attended Cedar Ridge Freewill Baptist Church in the Cracker’s Community of Big Stone Gap.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Sammy Sampson, Sr.; parents, Barney and Martha (Wade) Tabor, and sisters, Nancy Jo Dorton and Betty Mabe.
Mary is survived by her children, Bobbie Jo Tyner of Kingsport, TN, Sammy Sampson, Jr. (Andrea) of Red Oak, TX, and Johnny Sampson (Amy) of Norton, VA; five grandchildren, Marcie Gonzales, Lauren Gonzales, Kaila Mathis (Roger), Ty Sampson and Sean Sampson; three great-grandchildren, Payslee, Rowdy and Atticus; sister, Judy Tabor of Big Stone Gap, VA, and several nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends on Saturday, October 24, 2026 from 11:00am-1:00pm at Gilliam Funeral Home, 618 Wood Ave. W., Big Stone Gap, VA. The funeral service will begin at 1:00pm with Pastor Sean Bailey officiating.
The graveside service will follow at Glencoe Cemetery, E Spring St., Big Stone Gap, VA. Family members and friends will serve as pallbearers.
Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the family of Mary Sampson.
To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral home Facebook page.