Mrs. Samuella “Sammy” McGruder, 86, of Galesburg, Illinois died 7:00 a.m. Saturday, October 10, 2020 at her home surrounded by her family.
She was born February 3, 1934 in Galesburg to Lawrence and Aldine (Carter) Finn. She married Robert Allan McGruder, September 24, 1953 in Galesburg. He preceded her in death September 7, 1997.
Surviving are three sons, Philip McGruder, Duane “Bumps” McGruder, and Kenneth McGruder all of Galesburg, a daughter, Arnette “Netty” McGruder of Galesburg, a nephew who was like her brother, Frank Carson of Galesburg, 13 grandchildren, Wesley, Ronnie, Donnie (and Annie), Anneke, Jason, Nicole, Diana, Tasha, Josh, Michael, Kenneth, II, Brianna, and Tamara all McGruder, 18 great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. She was preceded in death by her parents, a daughter, Leeanna McGruder, two sisters, Leota Williams and Loretta Carson, a granddaughter, Jenni McGruder, three grandsons, Carlos McGruder, Danny McGruder and Daniel McGruder and a great granddaughter, Precious McGruder.
Sammy graduated from Galesburg High School in 1952. She was a Nurse Technician at OSF St. Mary Medical Center in Galesburg for 32 years and retired in 1999. She was a member of Allen Chapel AME Church in Galesburg. She got to see, in her lifetime, her favorite teams, the Chicago Bulls win multiple Championships, the Chicago Bears win the Super Bowl, the Chicago Cubs win the World Series and the Chicago Blackhawks win the Stanley Cup. She also was able to see the first black man become president, Barack Obama. Sammy was a huge Silver Streak fan and supported all of her family, and other kids at all sporting events. She herself was a baseball player but loved all sports. She was an excellent cook and a wonderful baker. She even had a flag football team named after her, “Sammy’s Kitchen”. She loved the Lord and all of her church music. She had a special place in her heart for dogs, especially her dog Apollo.
Visitation will be 10:00 a.m. to 12 Noon Saturday, October 24, 2020 at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Service Galesburg Chapel. Funeral service will follow at 12 noon Saturday, October 24, 2020 at the chapel. Rev. Tyson Parks, III and Rev. Mason Parks will officiate. Due to guidelines associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, social distancing and facemasks will be required with limited seating. Those wishing to attend the funeral “virtually” may watch the live broadcast on the funeral home’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Hinchliff-Pearson-West-Funeral-Directors-and-Cremation-Services-160333664037824. Burial will be in East Linwood Cemetery, Galesburg. Memorials may be made to Knox County Humane Society or to the family. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.
