Suzanne Samples

Suzanne Samples, 40, of Pullman, WA, returned to her home in heaven, after complications of brain cancer on September 17, 2022. She is survived by her parents Ted and Jenifer Samples, her sister Sarah Samples, her partner Jeramy Spitler, and her dearest cousin, Emily Samples. Her beloved pets Gatsby, Duffles, Delilah and Wild Kitty, provided comfort and remained loyally by her side. Suzanne will be missed by a close-knit clan of aunts, uncles, cousins, and devoted friends, from all aspects of her life.

Originally, and proudly, from Harrisville, WV, Suzanne bravely detailed her life with brain cancer in The Frontal Matter Trilogy (Running Wild Press, LA). The trilogy includes, Frontal Matter, Stargazing in Solitude, and her latest Thirteen Tunnels, which she finished last summer to be published at the end of 2022. Her passion for academia was apparent from the start. She graduated as valedictorian of the class of 2000 at Ritchie County High School, in Ellenboro, West Virginia. Shortly after, in 2004 she received her bachelor's degree in English at Marshall University in Huntington, WV. , then her Masters Degree in English at Marshall university in 2007. Finally, in 2013, Dr. Samples completed her Doctorate in Philosophy at Auburn University in Auburn, Alabama. Finally, It was time for her to get back to her roots, so she headed to the Blue Ridge Mountains where she continued to share her knowledge and enthusiasm as an English Professor at Appalachian State University in Boone, NC.

Suzanne’s life was filled with a love for adventure and oddities, ranging from roller derby to baton twirling, to exploring abandoned train tunnels. She had recently rediscovered her love of fishing and would never turn down a new experience. Her hobbies kept her creative mind busy by providing new material for writing more books and short stories. She also is the co-founder, alongside her cousin Emily Samples, for “Dead Skunk Lit Mag” which will continue taking submissions.

Suzanne had an active mind and an open heart, and loved helping people reach their full potential. Even though Suzanne left us far too soon, her life was full of profound accomplishments. Those in her presence were inspired by her tenacious spirit and unrelenting determination to overcome any situation that she was presented with.

Please join us as we celebrate Suzanne’s life on November 19 at the 1st Assembly of God church on 509 East Main Street, in Harrisville, West Virginia. Visitation will be from 1:00pm-3:00pm and the service will begin at 3:00pm. The family wishes for any memorial financial contributions to be made to The National Brain Cancer Society or the American Diabetes Association.