Sammye Jean Webb

Sammye Jean Sparks Webb, 99, passed peacefully from this earth on Sunday, February 2, 2025. A native of the Sparksville community in Scott County, Mississippi, she was born on October 8, 1925, to Cecil and Marie Sparks. She came from a long line of educators, and as a dedicated educator herself, she is remembered for her passion, dedication, and determination to ensure that students were motivated to learn. Mrs. Webb served 47 years in the public schools of Mississippi, with most of her tenure at Forest Elementary, where she passed on her love of reading to her students. As principal of the elementary school, she was instrumental in forming and promoting the first kindergarten in the Forest school system, along with establishing many innovative programs for teaching students to read. Some of her happiest days were spent in the classroom, especially teaching second grade, where her love for her students was one of her life’s greatest joys.

A graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi, Mrs. Webb earned a master’s degree in Elementary Education and a master’s degree in School Administration and Leadership. She had many opportunities to promote education both locally and across the state of Mississippi. Mrs. Webb served as chair of SEMI, a division of the State Department of Education, and as a member of the Governor’s Task Force in the development of goals and programs to advance education in Mississippi. She served 15 years on the Forest Municipal School District Board of Directors, including 12 years as president, and simultaneously served on the Board of Directors for the State School Board Association. She was the recipient of the prestigious Red Rose Award from the Delta Kappa Gamma Society, an honor recognizing distinguished educational service.

Known to her beloved family as Mama Sam, she was a devoted mother and grandmother, consistently instilling valuable life lessons and imparting wisdom that will be cherished for generations. She was the ultimate hostess, always eager to welcome family and friends into her home, and a fabulous cook — celebrated by her family as the queen of baking chocolate pies. Mrs. Webb was also deeply involved in promoting and supporting numerous programs and activities within the Forest community. She was an active member of Forest Baptist Church for over 60 years, where she found great joy in teaching a ladies' Sunday school class until the age of 92. She and her late husband, Earl Webb, were honored in 1997 by the Forest Area Chamber of Commerce as Outstanding Citizens of the Year.

Her husband, Earl Webb, preceded her in death. She is survived by her children: Joe Webb and his wife Judy Austin Webb of Starkville; Bob Webb and his wife Anita Layton Webb of Forest; Susan Webb Patrick and her husband Larry Patrick of Rogers, AR; and Dan Webb of Forest. She is also survived by four granddaughters: Jessica Webb Wood and her husband J.R. Wood of Madison; Samantha Webb Laird of Laurel; Jodi Webb of Nashville, TN; and Holly Webb Morgan and her husband Thomas Morgan of Laurel. She leaves behind five great-grandchildren: Neal Wood, Wilkes Wood, Webb Laird, Houston Sparks Morgan, and Robbye Ann Morgan.

Funeral services will be held in the chapel at Ott and Lee Funeral Home in Forest on Tuesday, February 4, 2025. Visitation for family and friends will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by a celebration of life at 11:00 a.m., with Reverend Reid Stevens, Senior Pastor of Forest Baptist Church, officiating. Interment will be at Hillsboro Methodist Church Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Hillsboro Methodist Church Cemetery Fund. Please make checks payable to the Hillsboro Methodist Church Cemetery Fund, referencing Sammye Jean Webb, and mail them to Brittany Sparks Pace at 110 Belle Oak Drive, Brandon, MS 39042.

Ott and Lee of Forest is honored to be entrusted with arrangements.