Thursday morning, October 30, 2014, Sammie Colleen Finch Jarrell of Bay City, Texas, peacefully departed this earthly life to be with her Lord. Mrs. Jarrell, 90, was preceded in passing by her husband of 43 years, Henry Milton Jarrell, and her parents, Homer Marvin and Emma Bradham Finch. She leaves two sons, Milton Ray Jarrell married to Claudia, and Glenn Richard Jarrell married to Debbie. She also leaves her brother, Ray Noble Finch married to Nancy, and their three children Stephen Ray Finch married to Padmini, Virginia Kay "Jenny" Finch, and Marvin Montgomery "Monty" Finch.

Sammie Finch was born September 29, 1924 in Hillsboro, Texas. She was Homer and Emma Finch's first child. The small family moved around a bit, eventually settling in Bellville, Texas where they introduced baby brother Ray Noble to Sammie in 1935. A year and half later the family of four moved to Bay City, Texas in 1937. Sammie was 13 years old. During her school-age years, Sammie enjoyed playing basketball and softball. Playing team sports helped to instill young Sammie with a sense of fair play. Observing her parents' work ethic even during the Depression helped to instill her with her own tireless work ethic. She would draw upon these characteristics for years to come.

It was on the brink of World War II when Sammie graduated from Bay City High School in 1941. When the war began, Sammie was eager to do what she could to help her country. Upon hearing of the opportunity to help build aircraft for the war effort, Sammie decided to leave Bay City for Dallas where she was hired by North American Aviation. During her time with NAA, she worked long hours on P-51 Mustang Fighters which many consider to be the best fighters of the war, B-25 Mitchell Bombers used in the Doolittle raid, and B-24 Bombers known as Liberators. No doubt it was the mixture of patriotism, courage, and raw determination that transformed that small town high school gal into Rosie the Riveter.
Upon returning to Bay City after the war, Sammie went to work as an office assistant in an area rice mill. Soon she met and fell in love with Milton Jarrell who worked for Phillips Petroleum Company. The happy young couple married on April 21, 1950. Mrs. Jarrell valued her family above almost everything, and her family always knew they could count on her. As a wife and mother to two sons, she selflessly looked after the needs of her family. Later she was the primary caregiver for both her mother-in-law and her mother. Sammie Jarrell loved her family and was tremendously loyal to them throughout her life.

In her later years, Mrs. Jarrell loved creating craft projects such as Christmas ornaments, magnets and hand-made birthday cards for her family and friends. She also had an extensive doll and stuffed animal collection which she proudly displayed in her living room where she also loved to follow the Houston Astros on television. Throughout her life, she enjoyed playing bridge and dominoes with family and friends. Sammie Jarrell was creative and quick to laugh.
Family and friends will gather to celebrate Sammie Jarrell's life on Sunday, November 2, 2014. Visitation will be held at 12:30pm at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home, 2313 Avenue I, Bay City, Texas. The service will follow at 2:00pm at the same location with Rev. Warren Muntz officiating. Interment will follow at Cedarvale Cemetery in Bay City. Pallbearers are Smitty Johnson, David Wells, Paul Roe, James Eilbeck, Brian Yoes and Todd Dreier. Honorary Pallbearer is Keith Dreier.