Samuel M. Laury Jr.

Samuel McKinley Laury, Jr. passed away peacefully on the 22nd of May, 2024 at Lankenau Hospital surrounded by his wife, daughters and family. He leaves behind a legacy of compassion, love, and dedication to his family, church, and community. Sam’s faith in Jesus Christ was the cornerstone of his life. He was born on December 31, 1947 in Twin Oaks, PA to the late Bernice and Samuel Laury Sr. During his early years he resided in Darby, PA. At the age of 12 he returned to Twin Oaks, PA where he spent the majority of his life. Even as a child, Sam was known to have a heart for helping others and was a dependable pillar of strength for his mother, sisters, brothers and extended family. He spent his life selflessly serving those around him, always ready with a helping hand and a warm smile. Sam was a graduate of Chester High School’s Class of 1966. He began his professional commitment to this endeavor by earning a Bachelor of Art Degree in Social Work from Cheyney University. After graduating, he served his country in the Army Reserves for six years. He continued his studies and obtained a Master of Art Degree in Counseling from Antioch University and received additional professional certifications in Drug & Alcohol Counseling and Addiction Studies from Villanova University. His life’s work contributed to many organizations including Crozer Chester Medical Center, Boeing and The Philadelphia Area Man Power Council Program. Sam spent the majority of his career within the Delaware County Juvenile Court. There he held the positions of Probation Officer, Regional Supervisor and was the first African American to hold the position of Human Resources Supervisor. After 26 years, Sam retired in November 2006. His life of service continued even after retirement as a Mobile Therapist for Child Guidance Resource Centers. Every family that he served became family to him. His generosity knew no bounds, touching the lives of so many. In 1974, Sam married the love of his life Felecia Robinson. As a husband, Sam was a loving partner and confidant. His marriage to Felecia remains a testament to the power of love, faith and commitment. Together, they raised three daughters, Teria, Carla and Shannin. He nurtured his children with love and guided them with support and encouragement. As a father and grandfather, Sam was a solid foundation of strength, wisdom, and dependability. His devotion to his family was evident in every aspect of his life, and he took immense pride in their accomplishments. His role as a grandfather brought him great satisfaction. He had special nicknames and a unique relationship with each one and cherished every moment spent with them. As a brother, uncle, cousin and friend, he was a source of joy and support. He shared in the laughter and tears of his loved ones and created countless cherished memories. Attending The Laury Family Reunion every summer brought him so much joy. His presence was a constant reminder of the importance of family and the bonds that hold us together. He was loyal and true. He forged deep connections and was always ready to lend an ear and offer support, backed up with a scripture or two. If you knew Sam, you knew he loved the Lord. Sam’s love for people gained him a host of sons, daughters, nieces, nephews and lifelong friends over the years. Sam’s dedication to a life of service extended far beyond his immediate circle. He made significant contributions as member of the Body of Christ and inspired countless others to follow in his footsteps. He was actively involved in numerous ministries at Mount Pleasant Baptist Church. He assisted in the establishment of the Mount Pleasant Nursery School in the 1970s, he was the president of the Baptist Training Union, participated in the Male Chorus, and served as Superintendent of Sunday School. During his tenure as Superintendent, Sam and Mrs. Stephanie Freeman started Mt. Pleasant’s first track team, where youth competed with other churches in their Association. He was a devoted Deacon and often walked the extra mile to check in or send inspiring texts to those charged to his care. In 1985, with his wife Felecia by his side, he founded the Drug Ministry now known as New Beginnings. The lives that were impacted by his tireless pursuit to help free the bond of addiction is immeasurable. As a result of that passion he was inspired to write a book about a father and his addicted son and in 2019 Sam, along with Ms. Tamiko Barber, wrote and published his first and only book titled, “A Father’s Heart.” Sam had a wide range of interests that enriched his life and those around him. He was an avid Eagles and 76ers fan. He enjoyed traveling, dancing, eating pizza, going to the movies, caring for his grand dogs Lily, Prince, Ozzy, and Lulu and especially enjoyed entertaining his grand children. He is preceded in death by his mother Bernice Cherry (Laury) Waters, father Samuel Laury Sr.; Gladys and David Hackett; brothers William (Billy), Leonard, David, Jerry, Lorenzo, and Ogden; sisters Carolyn Thomas and Sandra (Ruthie) Coco; and niece Linda Laury-Puckett. He is survived by his wife Felecia (Robinson) Laury; daughters and sons-in-love Teria Laury-Howie (George Howie), Carla Laury-Wilson (Larry Wilson), and Shannin Laury-Danquah (Kofi Danquah); grandchildren Ashley, Samahd, Gabrielle, Jazmine, Adah, Kori, Shane, and Samiyah; sisters Barbara Johnson and Irene Fain; special sister Joyce Faulkner; godchildren Jared Oliver, Edward “EJ” Johnson III, Quentin Sudler, Christopher Garrett and Alexis Black as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Though he is no longer with us we have a blessed assurance knowing that to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:6-8). Sam’s spirit lives on in the hearts of those he touched. His legacy of love and service will continue to inspire and guide us. We find solace in knowing that his life was well lived, and his impact will be felt for generations to come.

Samuel M. Laury Jr.

December 31, 1947 - May 22, 2024