Elsie Mae Sams Whitehead

Elsie Mae Sams Whitehead, 84, of Corbin, passed away Thursday, June 8, 2017 at the Compassionate Care Center at Richmond, KY.
A native of Knox County, she was a daughter of the late Etna and Arzilla Dugger Sams.  She was also preceded in death by her husband Elvin Whitehead;  brothers Joe Sams, Gen Sams, and Dorlyn Sams;  and sisters Opal Mitchell, Piney Rader, Grace Mitchell, and Artha Jones.
Elsie had been an operator with Bell Telephone Co. and had helped Elvin at his shoe repair shop.  She was of the Baptist faith, and had been an avid fan of UK basketball for decades.
She is survived by her four children: Tommy Dizney, Anna Rains (Joe), Debbie Smith (Scott), Kyle Whitehead (Susan);  grandchildren: Brian Rains (Brenda), Kari Smith (Dallen), Brandon Smith, Brandi Rowland (Josh), Whitley Whitehead, Jennifer Abbott, and Amy Hatcher (Vaughn);  great grandchildren: Mattie Smith, Allie Smith, Scarlett Rains, Harper Rowland, Bayleigh Hall, Lillie Hall, Hagen Hawn, Lane Hawn, and Reece Hatcher;  a sister, Louise Wilhoit (Ted);  a brother, Dell Sams (Donna);  and numerous nieces and nephews and other family members.
Elsie's visitation will begin at 12 noon on Monday, June 12 at the Vankirk-Grisell Funeral Home.  Her funeral will follow there at 2pm with Rev. Bobby Joe Eaton and Shannon Sams officiating.  Burial will be at Rest Haven Cemetery.
Memorials are suggested to the Compassionate Care Center, 350 Isaacs Lane, Richmond, KY  40475-2824.
Messages may be sent to the Family at www.vankirkgrisellfuneralhome.com .