Sammye Langston Knox

On Friday, April 28th, 2023 Sammye Knox peacefully entered into the kingdom of heaven to claim her wings and reunite with her husband.

Sammye Langston Knox was born November 7, 1927 in the Orth community, Young County, Texas.  She was the daughter of John and Irene Langston.  Sammye graduated from Graham High School and married H.A. (Buddy) Knox on May 11, 1947.  Sammye was employed by Graham Savings and Loan Association for 31 years where she served as Secretary, Treasurer, Executive Vice President, Director, and retired as President and Chief Executive Officer.  She was a member of the Graham Savings and Loan Board.  She served as a Director of the Texas Savings and Loan League and as a member of the Texas Savings and Loan Educational Committee.  She also served as a director of the Graham Chamber of Commerce, Graham Area United Way, Graham Industrial Association, and the Board of Young County No. 1 Development Corporation.  She served as President of the Chaparral Dinner Club.  She was a member of First United Methodist Church of Graham where she had served as Chairman of the Board and was still active in the Samaritan Group of the Church.  She was a lifetime member of United Methodist Women and had served as their President.  She served many years as teacher of the Kum Duble Sunday School class.  She also served as a trustee of the Church on the Building Committee.  She was a Director of Graham Community Concert and served as Treasurer for many years.  Mrs. Knox was a charter member of Graham Regional Hospital Auxiliary as well as a lifetime member.  In 1988 Mrs. Knox was elected to the Women’s Hall of Fame of North Texas as Outstanding Business Woman of the Year.  She served on the Board as Secretary of the Education Advisory Group for the organization of Graham Community College of Ranger Junior College District.  She also enjoyed delivering Meals on Wheels for many years.

Sammye had a love of travel, and visited many places in both the US and abroad.  Her love of her family was shown in her interest in studying genealogy.  She also enjoyed watching the big game of her favorite football teams - the Texas Tech Red Raiders and the Dallas Cowboys.  She also enjoyed playing dominoes, card games, and board games.  She truly valued time spent with her family including family reunions and family Christmases.  She believed in working hard, helping the community, and worshiping passionately and her commitment to each is demonstrated in every aspect of her life.

Sammye is survived by 2 of her 3 children.  Ken Knox and wife, M.C. of Graham and Lisa Knox Windlinger and husband Jim of Dallas, Texas as well as her daughter-in-law Wanda Knox.  She has 8 grandchildren.  Heather Knox of Dallas, Texas, Jeff Knox and wife Tiffany of Richardson, Texas, Krisa de la Cruz of Graham, Texas, Kimmi Knox-Lewis and husband Jermon of Fort Worth, Texas, Kelsey Johnson and husband Matt of Oshkosh, Wisconsin, Kenzie Knox of Fort Worth, Texas, Jacob Knox Windlinger of Miami, Florida and Michael Langston Windlinger of Edinburgh, Scotland.  She is survived by her 5 great grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her parents, 3 brothers Leroy Langston, Derwood Langston and Jimmy Langston, and 2 sisters Loree Guinn of Monahans, Texas and Oleta McGee of Olney, Texas.  She was also preceded in death by her son, John Knox of Graham, Texas.  Sammye is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.  The family has suggested that memorials be made to the charity of their choice.  The family would also like to thank Elison Assisted Living, Beyond Faith Home Health, and Beyond Faith Hospice for taking such loving care of Sammye.

Visitation will be 5:00 - 7:00pm on Monday, May 8th, 2023 at Morrison Funeral Home.  Burial service will be held Tuesday, May 9th, 2023 at 10:30am at Pioneer Cemetery followed by the memorial service at 1:30pm at First United Methodist Church.