Samantha “Sam” Webb (McLeod) left us unexpectedly March 4, 2024 and is now flying high with the angels and fairies!
Samantha was actually born Diane Linda McLeod on September 4, 1951 in Buffalo, NY to Donald J. and Shirley F. McLeod (brother Donald S. McLeod). She spent her childhood and High School years in Miami Springs, Florida where she was active in her church, community and a cheerleader at Miami Springs High School. It was her individuality and free thinking personality that lead to her changing her name to Samantha in 1999, but I just knew her as “Mom.”
Sam was independent, strong willed and stubborn at times, but loved as fiercely as she fought (I know because she passed this on to me). My mom was loyal and brave despite fighting through more struggles than any one person deserves. She was clever and full to the brim with creativity gained through her many life experiences…I swear she could make, fix or figure anything out. She taught me to focus on what I had available to get the job done and never set limits on what I could accomplish.
My mom was a single mom and in many ways I feel we grew up together. Sam had quick wit and a wonderful sense of humor with a zest for experiencing life. I grew up to my mom whispering “its a mental health day! Get Dressed! We’re going to Disney World” or driving around on a sunny day with with windshield wipers on just to give people a giggle. She instilled in me a love of adventuring and exploring because of all the things we did together. Hands down our most special adventure was to Ireland and Scotland in 2002. Sam never found a place she loved or felt more connected to than Scotland. We spent the years following our trip researching our ancestry back to the Highlands of Scotland. In fact, Sam was set to return there just weeks after her passing.
In 2004 she held my hand as her first grand-child, Dylan Phillip Hiott, was born. She eagerly assumed the title of “GranSam”, a name Sam gave herself because she was “too young at heart” to be called Grandma. I think seeing her with him was the happiest I’ve ever seen my mom. In 2005 and 2008 she welcomed her two grand-daughters, Susan “Suzie” Grace Hiott and Abigail “Abbie” Faith Hiott.
Sam’s most rewarding work was serving as case manager for those in need.
She loved working for The Salvation Army Hope House and treasured her work family and volunteers very much. She knew what it was like to struggle, to feel alone, to battle mental health and addiction BUT she also knew that keeping God as your center meant there was always hope for a brighter tomorrow.
Samantha will be remembered by her friends for her strength, faith and love of helping others. As for me, Amanda Hiott (McLeod) – her only child, I’m blessed to have the best parts of her live on in me. She made me who I am, prepared me for life and shaped me as a mom. My heart aches for the moments we could of had and I will forever love and miss her.
A celebration of life will take place at the Salvation Army Hope House in Fernandina Beach at 11am Saturday May 4th, 2024. Please bring a non-perishable food item for their food panty – you’ll make my mom smile in heaven knowing she is getting to help others one more time!
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
