Theron Spencer Sams was born on November 21, 1944 to the union of Cecil and Alice Mack in Allenhurst, Georgia. He was the oldest of 16 children.

Theron came to Cleveland with his grandmother Mattie Sams at the age of 14 to be by her side and help her with a new start after she lost her husband.  Theron attended the Cleveland Public School System, graduating from Glenville High School in 1963.

Theron loved sports. Though never playing for an established team, he was “the man” whenever he played sports. He knew his facts about any team.

Theron met and fell in love with his true soul mate, Shirley Smith. The feeling was mutual. They courted for four years, marrying in 1968. They would have celebrated 56 years of love and marriage this July 20^th. They loved each other and had a blessed marriage based on how the bible describes a marriage.  Ephesians 5:25

In 1975 they were blessed with a beautiful son, Terrell Anthony. He was truly a blessing and an extension of their love. Theron enjoyed being a dad and would spend quality time with him. They truly enjoyed each other. In 1998 that love extended to Heaven where Jerrell now resides. They are together again.

Theron was a foster dad to over 12 teenage boys. All who held him in high esteem and called him along with wife Shirley “Foster Parents of the Year”. They along with one of their children met first lady Hillary Clinton.  By a decision orchestrated by God, they adopted a young man Alexander. Living and exemplifying a real true husband, father and God-fearing man that only came by being saved. Theron was saved for over 52 years. Romans 10:9

Theron was a hard-working man. His employment included Addressograph, Multigraph, Goulds and Midland Steel. The jobs he jokingly said he closed down. Theron loved the Lord and his church. He worked for many years at Christian Fellowship Center under the pastorate of Bishop Bill and Shirley McKinney and until his health started declining, worked in the food bank of CFC, helped his wife Shirley with breakfast for the kids in Sunday School, sponsored CJC Thanksgiving dinners and helped with Halleyuh parties.

Theron’s character was impeccable. Always smiling, gentlemanly, slow to anger, eager to help, fashionable exemplifying Christian behavior.

He leaves to cherish his memory his loving, devoted soul mate and mother of his child, Shirley, his son Terrell (deceased), adopted son Alexander, siblings Cecil, Elaine, Mary Alice, Gerald, Maxey, and not to be remissive the remaining brothers and sister, special aunt Maria Lane, and special uncle Gary Davis, nephews Allen, Matt, Henry, Michael, nieces Tami, Randi, Alaina, Arion, Michelle, Theresa, Tracey, Shaquan, Taylor Monae, Jamila, Nicole, Brittany and a host of many more family members and friends.