Sammy Jean Yancey was born May 15, 1932 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Her parents were the Rev. Samuel and Rachel Yancey. She grew up on a mountain top outside of Fayetteville that was a Methodist retreat run by her parents. She was the youngest of three children. She became an x-ray technician in Memphis, TN where she met and married Dr. Michael C. Carver in 1956. Dr. Carver served in the US Navy. After being stationed up and down both coasts, Canada and Guam, they returned to Morristown to the Carver Family Farm. Dr. Carver served as the District Health Officer for the State of TN in Hamblen, Grainger, Jefferson and Cocke counties until his death in 1996.
Sammy and Mike had three children, Rachel, Michael (who died in 2017) and Robert. Since Dr. Carver was a commanding officer of three naval hospitals, Sammy played an active role as a naval officer’s wife supporting him in numerous roles. She was additionally a buyer for a Far Eastern Imports store for the Military Officers in Guam, a realtor, owned and operated a sewing store in Morristown, travelled extensively around the world with and without her family, she was a gourmet cook, accomplish gardener, and a delightful conversationalist who had a quick wit and engaging personality. To meet her once made a lasting impression in quick friendship.
Survivors include, Rachel Carver of Knoxville, Dr. Robert and Dr. Anna Carver and their daughter, Ivy, Sammy’s only grandchild. She was also a loving unofficial Grammy Sammy and the great Aunt Sammy to her nephew, Brad’s eight children in Atlanta.
She will be greatly missed by all who shared her love. Her final words demonstrated her faith for her Savior, Jesus Christ.
Arrangements by Stetzer-Bales Funeral Home.
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