Digna Elizabeth ‘Betty’ Carlton Samson

Posted on April 10, 2024

Digna Elizabeth ‘Betty’ Carlton Samson

It is with great sadness, love and cherished memories that we announce the passing of Digna Elizabeth “Betty” Carlton Samson.

Betty passed away peacefully at her home April 4, 2024, surrounded by family, following an extended illness.

She was born on June 23rd, 1943 in Olanchito, Honduras, to Filadelfo Martinez and Carmen Navarro. Betty met the love of her life, the late Rev. James R. Carlton, in Honduras and emigrated to the U.S. when they married in 1968. They spent their marriage doing missionary work and pastoring different churches until he passed away in 1985.

Betty later married, the second love of her life, Willie Samson, and they shared 24 years of marriage until he passed away in 2021.

She lived her life as a true Christian woman. She was a member of the Perry Church of God, which she faithfully attended for more than 50 years. She loved her church and church family dearly. She could always be counted on to faithfully meet the needs of others without her even being asked. She truly lived her life as a perfect Christian role model to all, always adhering to the “Golden Rule.”

She was well-known for her hardworking nature. Her high energy, bubbly personality and her positive attitude brought joy to anyone who ever had the pleasure of working with her. She took pride in her work and held up to four jobs simultaneously at one point in her life.

She retired from the Taylor County School District, where she was employed for more than 40 years. She proudly received the “Non-Instructional Employee of the Year” award at one point.

Outside of work, you would never see Betty out and about without her stylish outfits – complete with her perfectly matching high heel shoes and purses.

She enjoyed crocheting, working with her flowers, swimming, cooking, taking walks, traveling, going on vacations and visiting her family.

Most of all, she loved to sing. Her joyous voice filled every room with song. The joy she received from singing brightened everyone’s day and will be sorely missed.

Betty especially loved playing practical jokes on people. She loved to laugh and make others laugh. People were naturally drawn to her. She always saw the good in everyone – no matter what the situation was.

Betty’s life was a testament to courage, love, good humor and devotion. Her family and friends found loyalty in her honest and trustworthy ways. She was a kind, sweet, compassionate and thoughtful person.

The world was truly blessed by her presence. All who knew her will feel the void of her absence but her spirit and love will continue to live on in those she leaves behind.

She was preceded in death by: her mother, Carmen Navarro; father, Filadelfo Martinez; both her loving husbands, James Carlton and Willie Samson; and a stepson, Ray Carlton.

She is survived by: her children, Naomi Murphy (Len Houck) of Perry, Ruth Otterbeck (Jim) of Naples, Chuck Carlton (Faye) of Panama City and Lee Roy Carlton (late Jack) of Pensacola; her grandchildren, Kate Murphy (Price Carter) of Waycross, Ga., Cassie Murphy of Valdosta, Ga., and Cameron, Bryson and Grace Otterbeck of Naples; a host of step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren; her sister, Lourdes Johnson (Ray) of Perry; her special lifelong friends, Martha and Donnie Shinholser and Mrs. Diane McNeese; her caregivers, LouAnn Stephens and Cynthia Buggs; and five sisters and two brothers in her home country of Honduras; as well as a host of nieces and nephews, cousins and friends, who will all miss her dearly.

There will be a Celebration of Life held Saturday, April 13, at 2:30 p.m. at Joe P. Burns Funeral Home in Perry. A viewing will be held prior to the service, beginning at 1:30 p.m.

The family extends special thanks to the wonderful care received from all at Big Bend Hospice of Perry.