Samantha McFarland was born on June 7, 1978 under the union of Simmie and Re’na McFarland in Cleveland, Ohio.  Samantha was educated in the Cleveland Public School System.  While obtaining her high school education, she became a teenage mom in 1994 After welcoming her first-born son, Dale Smith, Jr.  As Samantha continued her education, she received her high school diploma from John Hay in 1997.  Samantha accepted Christ at an early age and was a faithful member at Bethesda Missionary Baptist Church.  Years later she welcomed her second son, Donteze Congress, Jr. in 2005.  Samantha was a hardworking devoted mom who spent 16 years working for Bon-Appetit Food Group.  Samantha later took a love and interest in working with those in the community and began working at Stella Maris Treatment Center.

Samantha was the glue that held her family together.  She was honest, selfless, strong-willed, determined, hardworking and family oriented.  Samantha was always a phone call away giving encouraging words, guidance, reassurance, and an abundance of love to those who called upon her.  Samantha enjoyed sewing, traveling, customizing jackets, music, interior design, family and attending events.  You could always count on Samantha to show up and have a good time lighting the room with her contagious smile.  Most of all her Biggest Joy was becoming a grand- mother and loving on her GRANDCHILDREN in which she took extreme pride and joy in.  To truly know Samantha, you knew that her love for her boys (Dale, TEZ) was endless.  Samantha was a loving daughter, sister, mother, and friend.

Samantha leaves to cherish her memory her father, Simmie and mother, Re’na McFarland, two sons; Dale Smith, Jr. & Donteze Congress, Jr., four sisters; Kimyotta Ross, Sa’de and Miracle McFarland, Tanisha Matthews (deceased), four grandchildren; Dale, III, Lennox, Dallas, and Denver Smith. A host of nieces, nephews, aunts, and uncles; extended sisters, Megan, Shavonne and Chariece; best friend, Melissa, and a loving sisterhood with Keisha, Chaundria, Shug, Wanda, Tarah, Mookie & Nakia.  Samantha was preceded in death by her grandmothers, Flora Lee McFarland and Vernell Ross.