Mrs. Fannie Samuels , affectionately known by family and friends as Fannie D or "Fat," was born on January 26, 1947 in East St. Louis, IL to the union of Frank and Bettie Smith. She was the second of ten siblings. Her parents, brother Jerome Smith, and sister Frances Jean Brooks, preceded her in death.

Mrs. Samuels was united in holy matrimony to Ethelbert Samuels on January 27, 1963 and to this union they were blessed with three children. Fannie D was a product of East Saint Louis School District 189 and received her state cosmetology license after completing her training at the Cora Lena School of Cosmetology. She also attended Mildred Louise Business College as a young person.

Mrs. Samuels confessed her belief in Jesus Christ and was baptized at Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church in East Saint Louis, IL under the leadership of Pastor Dr. Robert C. Jones, Jr. She served on the culinary committee and was willing to help in any area needed. Mrs. Samuels later attended and worshipped at Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church where Reverend Charles Williams served as Pastor.

As a young woman, Fannie D was an active member of the Lions Club. She would continue to serve her community through the years. Mrs. Samuels was a very active member of the Wahanies Benefit Club, where she served as an officer at the district level of the Illinois Association of Colored Women and Youth Affiliates.

Mrs. Samuels was employed by the Stouffer's Restaurant, Clarion Hotel, Woolworth and Belleville Shoe Manufacturing Company. She retired from Belleville Shoe Manufacturing Company, which was more than a job to her. It became her work family.

Fannie was a supreme supporter, always there for her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and was by her sister's Ella B, side to support whatever she was doing. If you needed a place to stay, her door was always open for however long you needed to stay. If you were hungry, there was always a meal for you, even if she did not eat.

She leaves to cherish her memory, two daughters, Latricia (Willie) Carter of East St. Louis, IL and Philicia (Lane Jr.) Woods of Newport News, VA, one son, Charles (Lori) Samuels of Wilmington, DE, three sisters, Ella B. Lee of East Saint Louis, IL, Marvela (Harrison) Springfield and Shelia (Christopher) Williams of New Castle, DE, four brothers, Lloyd (Vickie) Smith, Leonard Smith, Quenton Smith, and Lafayette Smith of Cedar Rapids, IA, ten grandchildren, Latisha Samuels, Jakyya Jones, Lana Woods, Shaquita Harris, LaKieda Harris, Kaniqua Woods, Ciara Samuels, Johnna Hill, Samantha Kaufman, Brandi Brown, twenty-one great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives. She will be truly missed.