"Well done, good and faithful servant: you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things.  Enter into the joy of the Lord." Matthew 25:23 NLV

On Saturday, June 21, 2025, Reverend Craig Douglas Sams entered eternal rest with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ at the age of 65.  Craig was born in Lake Charles, Louisiana on May 7, 1960, to the late Estella Myrtle Lute.  Craig was the eldest of two children. He graduated from Welsh high school in 1978.  Diligently playing football and basketball for his beloved alma mater.

From a young age, Craig was deeply rooted in his faith.  Accepting Christ at an early age he was baptized at Mt. Triumph Baptist Church in Roanoke, Louisiana. In 1983 Craig fell in love with his soul mate and married Carliss Lanier Henry at Mt. Triumph Baptist Church under the direction of Reverend Eugene Stewart.  To this union, four children were born.  Craig diligently worked in his church home and later became a deacon and taught Sunday School.  He was called to ministry and on December 9, 1999, Craig was ordained to the title of Reverend under the direction of Pastor Freddie Thomas Jr. at Mount Triumph Baptist Church.  Later he was called to pastor Little Sunlight Baptist Church of Silverwood, Louisiana were he faithfully served for 23 years.

Craig was employed by Zigler Shipyard, of Mermentau, Louisiana as a welder at a young age.  Moving on to Citco refinery as a tank foreman. Preferred Living as a sitter, a volunteer Firefighter for the city of Roanoke, Assistant Basketball Coach for Welsh Elementary and High School; Volunteer for the Little Dribbler's; Chaplain for Semien-Lewis Mortuary of Jennings; President of the Jeff Davis Ministerial Alliance; and a Curator for Jeff Davis Parish School Board (Lake Arthur) for the last 4 years.  It's no understatement to say, Craig was passionate about the people and deeply invested in his community.

Craig Leaves to cherish his memories, his wife of 41 years Carliss Sams; his children, Harold Johnson-Sams of Washington, D.C., Craig (Sade) Sams Jr. Of Jennings, LA; Devondrick (Tamale) Sams of Lake Arthur, LA and Jaylin Sams of Welsh, LA.; one brother, Chad (Mary) Lute Sr. of West Richland, WA; step brother Michael Currie, one aunt, Katie Mae Jackson of Pasco, WA; two great-aunts, Lora Bell (Ivory) Edwards of Lake Charles, LA and Jeanolia Sherman of Shreveport, LA.  His enduring love will carry on through his grandchildren, Kaija C. Johnson, Treavon X. Johnson, Aaron J. Johnson, Zaquan M. Johnson, Langstyn D. Johnson, Harold J. Johnson Jr., De'Shanti Soularie, De'Andre Soularie Jr., Andrea Sams, Dakeylyn Sams, Dakaylin Sams, Alayia Sams, Kai'oni Etheridge, Da'Vonne Sams, Dazia Sams, Jorryan Walker, Calonni Sams, Caisley Sams, Caleigha Sams, Kingston Sams, and Cohen Sams; a beloved mother-in-law, Emelda D. Henry; three sisters-in-law, Darlene Henry, Latricia (Mihael) Spry, and April Segura; four brothers-in-law, Henry (Nicole) Segura, Clarence (Annette) Henry, Tracy (Tracy) Segura and Equine Henry; niece, Brittany Lute; nephew Chad Lute Jr.; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, godchildren, and friends.

Craig was preceded in death by his mother, Estella Sams Lute; daughter, Sheneak Myrtle Sams; grandmother Velma White Fontenot; eight great aunts and uncles, Mae Tempie Castille, Benjamin Mac White, Etanner White, Aurthur White, Vandy White, Fannie Lou Gray, Dempsey White, Lois Toby; twelve aunts and uncles, Alex Fontenot, Austin Fontenot, Charlie Fontenot, Mary Fontenot, Adlina Fontenot, Norris Fontenot, Wesley Fontenot Jr., John Fontenot, Annice Hailey, Counthian Jackson, Ever Mae Guidry, Tommy Joe Fontenot, father-in-law, Clarence Henry Sr.; a sister-in-law, Katrienna Williams and a host of cousins and friends.

Celebration of Life Services will be held on Saturday, July 5, 2025, at Union Baptist Church, 1014 S. Main Street in Jennings, LA.  Eulogist will be  Reverend Michael Sherman.  Visitations will be held from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Friday, July 4, 2025 at Semien-Lewis Mortuary, 819 N. State Street in Jennings, LA and again from 8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Saturday, July 5, 2025 at Union Baptist Church, 1014 S. Main Street in Jennings, LA.  Burial will be in the St. James Baptist Memorial Garden Cemetery in Roanoke, LA under the direction of Semien-Lewis Mortuary of Jennings, LA.