Shirley Sampson – November 7, 2023

Shirley Lynn Sampson was 89 years old when she passed away on November 7, 2023. She was a proud Colorado resident who was born on April 27, 1934 to Gerald and Margaret Golden. She grew up on the West side of Colorado Springs in Pleasant Valley. She graduated from Colorado Springs High School in 1952 and continued to attend numerous high school reunions over the years. She was married to Dr. John J. Sampson M.D. on March 23, 1974 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. 

Her professional career began when she was a junior in high school at the age of 16 where she worked as a switchboard operator for Mountain Bell telephone company. She advanced in her 30-year career with the company and became a regional manager in Colorado as well as in Utah. After she retired from Mountain Bell, she became her husband’s office manager at his ophthalmology office for 7 years until he retired. 

Shirley and John then became snowbirds where they wintered in Mesa, Arizona for many years. In the winter months, they developed a rich community with people and enjoyed playing tennis as well as card games with their friends. Shirley and John also took pleasure in traveling overseas and especially to Norway because of John’s Norwegian heritage. Yearly the family would attend the Sons of Norway festivities where they wore their Norwegian Bunad costumes, delighted in eating Norwegian food, and fellowshipping with friends. 

Shirley was a valued and active member for over 70 years at First Evangelical Free Church. She had a strong faith and love for Jesus. Shirley had a passion to support missionaries overseas and an evangelistic heart and loved helping spread the gospel to people. She served the church in numerous ways such as singing in the choir and attending as well as hosting Bible studies. Shirley continuously loved listening to Christian music in her home as well as in her van. She was particularly fond of playing the piano. She also faithfully served in Deborah, Young at Heart, and White Cross ministries. Shirley always loved to drive and regularly took people to their doctor’s appointments. Another priority for Shirley was to frequently connect with her friends from high school. She was a proud American citizen and highly valued staying current with politics. 

Shirley is preceded in death by her husband, Dr. John J. Sampson M.D.; her younger sister, Mary Lou Pollart; and is survived by her brother, Sarge Golden; her son, James Sampson and his wife, Patty; her granddaughter, Katey and her husband, Aaron; her granddaughter, Sarah and her husband, Kyle Arndt, with their children: Sage, Clayton, and Porter; and her granddaughter, Bekah-Lynn and her husband, Daniel Broas. 

Shirley’s Celebration of Life Service will be Saturday, December 9, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at First Evangelical Free Church, 820 N 30th Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80904. A reception will follow after the service at the church.