Beatrice Westbrooks Samples, 84, of Statesboro, formerly of Dawsonville, died Nov. 3, 2012.

Mrs. Samples was a native of Tucker, where she graduated from Tucker High School, but lived most of her life in Dawsonville.

She worked for Westinghouse for 20 years, Moreland Chemicals for 20 years and retired from McKesson Chemicals after 10 years of service.

Beatrice moved to Statesboro in 2009 to live near her son.

She was a former member of the Dawsonville Volunteer Fire Department and was instrumental in establishing the fire department as it exists today and was presented their Lifetime Achievement Award.

Mrs. Samples was also active with the Dawson County Sheriff's Department, was a member of Faith Baptist Church in Dawsonville and attended Bible Baptist Church in Statesboro.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to her guardian angel, Mary Helen Brazil.

Her husband, Newman Samples Sr.; two grandchildren; and a brother, preceded her in death.

Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law, Barbara and Carroll Allen of Lawrenceville; sons and daughters-in-law, Newman Jr. and Donna Samples of Statesboro, Randy and Rita Samples of Lawrenceville; brothers and sisters-in-law, Ronnie and Paulette Bagley of Gainesville, C.T. and Jan Bagley of Kentucky; six grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; various other relatives also survive.

Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Nov. 10 in the Bearden Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Nathan Nix officiating. Interment followed in the McKees Chapel United Methodist Church Cemetery.

Grandsons served as pallbearers and members of the Dawson County Fire Department and sheriff's office served as honorary pallbearers.

The family requested that memorial contributions be made to Faith Baptist Church, 406 Heath Road, Dawsonville, GA 30534.

Bearden Funeral Home of Dawsonville was in charge of the arrangements.