Cora Lee Henry Samuel

MOTHER CORA LEE HENRY SAMUEL

“For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.”

                                                                    II Timothy 4:6–7

Mother Cora Lee was born on June 1, 1937 and was the sixth of nine children bestowed by God upon the late Freeman and Rosa Lewis. She departed her earthly life on Saturday, March 28, 2026 surrounded by her children and grandchildren at her home in Covington, Georgia.

Cora Lee received her education in Florence County Public Schools. She was employed at Belk’s Department Store for a few years and at Wentworth Manufacturing as a seamstress for fourteen years. Cora Lee used the skills she learned at Wentworth and began sewing clothes for her children and other family members. She made dresses for her children and nieces that they wore on Easter, Sunday mornings and special occasions. She also made drapery, handkerchiefs, and skirts. Furthermore, she was a distributor and sold church hats for a time because she loved fashion.

On June 17, 1956, Cora Lee was joined in holy matrimony to the late Herbert Henry. To this loving union, God provided four children to love and adore.

Cora Lee was a lifelong member of St. Matthew’s Church of God in Christ Jesus, Apostolic. In 1952, she gave her life to the Lord and was baptized and filled with the blessed gift of the Holy Ghost and joined St. Matthew’s Church where she started her new life in Christ. Her pastor and leader was Bishop Monroe R. Saunders of Baltimore, Maryland. Later Bishop Frank B. Saunders became her pastor and under this leadership, Cora Lee joyfully served as a dedicated and devoted member. She was a great help in working with the establishment of the Church of Jesus Christ. She labored with enthusiasm and was dedicated to the love of her church. Cora Lee served as President of the St. Matthews' Young Adult Choir, a member of the Willing Workers, President of Pastor's Aide Committee, and a member of the Junior Missionary. She was also a member of the Adult Usher’s Ministry. In 1988, she continued her faithful service under the leadership of Bishop Otis M. Davis II. Cora Lee was the Sunday School Secretary for a period of time. Cora Lee had a desire to help any way she could so she helped beautify the sanctuary and the fellowship hall. She also used her skills and made tailored chair covers for the choir loft area. She loved serving others and often gave seniors rides to and from church when they had no other transportation. She had a servant's heart and her desire was not for attention but to ensure people can get to the church on time and praise the Lord.

After a season of life as a widower, on May 18, 1996, Cora Lee was joined in holy matrimony to the late Deacon James Samuel. She then became the mother to four additional adult daughters and their families. Cora Lee was a pillar and the matriarch of the family. She served her biological family and church family in a manner that can only be described as an unselfish giver who asked for nothing in return. She was a woman of faith and strength. She stood on what she believed. Cora Lee’s outlook on life was to live her life and acknowledge God in every aspect of it. She believed that God and family were very important, and she was always willing to sacrifice herself for family and friends. She brought smiles and joy to those who were in need. Her smile was infectious. Cora Lee loved unconditionally and she will be sorely missed.

In the community, Cora Lee was known for her gardening. She won “YARD OF THE YEAR” for several years. Cora Lee always left an impact wherever she went. On June 22, 2025, she was named President Emirates of the Pastors Aide Committee for her dedicated service at St. Matthew’s Church of God in Christ Jesus-Apostolic.

Cora Lee was preceded in death by: Freeman and Rosa Lewis (parents), Samson and Isabella Henry (in-laws), Herbert Henry (husband), James Samuel (husband), Donnie Henry (son), Marcus Allen (grandson), Ester Patricia Glenn (step-daughter), Rickey Evans Sr. (step-son-in-law), Voleata Foxe (step-granddaughter), six sisters (Lillie Mae, Renetta, Elease, Eloise, Carnetha and Rose Ann), two brothers (William and Ozzie).

Left to cherish loving memories and continue her legacy of service and good will are: six children: Cora Ann (Freddie) David of Bennettsville, SC; Gwendolyn Smith of Orangeburg, SC; Reverend Ronnie (Blanch) Henry of Walkersville, MD; Shirley (Elder Raymond, Sr.) Foxe, Shelia Evans, Evangelist Lorraine (Elder Jeremiah) Graves, all of Charlotte, NC; son-in-law Bishop Phillip R. Glenn of Florence, SC; sixteen grandchildren: Freddie (Kristen) David of Bowie, MD; Terlisa (Mel) Packer of Covington, GA; Mia (Marshall) Weaver of Florence, SC; Kenny (Keisha) Smith, Jr. of Upper Marlboro, MD, Amber Smith of Covington, GA; Herbert Smith of Orangeburg, SC; Quinn Smith of Temple Hills, MD; Angel Henry of Frederick, MD; Tiera (Brandon) Sumblin of Frederick, MD; Donnie (Crystal) Henry of Columbus, Ohio; Halley (Benjamin) Holmes of Rockdale, MD; Raymond (Kandra) Foxe, Qwana (Maurice) Middleton, Sherica Evans, all of Charlotte, NC; Rickey (Jamie) Evans, II of Florence, SC; Shawnyetta Commander of Florence, SC; eighteen great-grandchildren, seven great-great grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, friends and her beloved church family.

Cora had one god-daughter, Martina Green. She had a special relationship with Dr. Mark and Kyja Lee and their children, whom she lovingly cared for and who became a part of her extended family.

Please keep the family of Cora Lee Henry Samuel in your thoughts and prayers.