Mary Alice Horne Samuels was born on May 29, 1949, in Dublin, GA to the late W.J. Horne and the late Lois Norris.

She received her education at Dock Kemp then went on to work in the school cafeteria as a cook before relocating to Milledgeville, GA in 1971. She continued working as a school cafeteria cook at Baldwin High School before becoming a pressor at Chambers Cleaners and a private housekeeper.

In 1990, she married the love of her life, Benjamin Samuels, who preceded her in death in 2005. She enjoyed baking homemade goods which included her most requested biscuits and Oreo cakes. “Mama Samuels” as she was affectionately called was a faithful member of Faith Christian Fellowship Ministries where she once sang in the choir and served on the board of Missionaries where her prayers made you feel the presence of God.

On September 27, 2025, our beloved mother, grandmother, Nana, sister, aunt, and friend answered the Lord's call to eternity and is now resting in His presence. She was also preceded in death by two brothers, Leon Josey and Edward Josey, and one sister, Catherine Josey.

Mary leaves to cherish her memories: five daughters, Mary Ann Coates, Debra Lawson, Gladys Coley and Brenda Chambers, all of Milledgeville, GA, Tonya Samuels of Warner Robins, GA; two sons, Patrick Chambers of Milledgeville, GA and Ricky Chambers of Dallas, TX; two God-daughters, Libra Renfroe (Vashawn) of Milledgeville, GA, and Nanette Mosley of Charlotte, NC; eight sisters, Esther Walker, Gwenevira Horne, Ella Mae Wesson, and Lois Stanley, all of Dublin, GA, Yvonne Murray (Benjamin), Betty Swint, Mary Josey, and Mary Alice Hudson, all of Wrightsville, GA; five brothers, Lorenzo Josey (Sophia), Allen Josey, and Larry Josey, all of Wrightsville, GA, Ken Josey of Milledgeville, GA, and Tommy Horne of Lyons, GA; one uncle, L.W. Norris of Wrightsville, GA; devoted friends, Gloria Dixon (Jack), Diane Franklin, Kim Stewart, Rick and Donna Williams; twenty-one grandchildren, including devoted granddaughters, Alexis Samuels and Sheronica Deese, both of Warner Robins, GA. A host of great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other family and friends also survive her