Carlton Sams
- Howell Funeral Homes
- May 12
- 2 min read
Updated: May 15
Service
Monday, May 18, 2026| Service: 11:00 a.m.
Howell Funeral Home | 10220 Guilford Road | Jessup, Maryland 20794
Celebration of Life for Carlton Sams
Interment
Columbia Memorial Park Cemetery| 12005 Clarksville Pike| Clarksville , Maryland 21029
Obituary
Carlton was born on December 22, 1939, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, to
the late Clarkson Sams and Thelma Vansella Johnson.
Carlton pursued higher education and graduated in 1962 from North Carolina
A&T State University with a degree in Education. In 1971, he welcomed a son,
Cristofer Scott Sams. He later earned his Master’s Degree in Social Work from
Adelphi University, where he also met and married Janice Washington Sams in
1974. From their union came two daughters, Danielle Lauren Sams Eni, and
Elyse Grace Sams. His passion for helping others led him to a remarkable career
as the Director of the Boys Home Society in Baltimore, Maryland, where he
faithfully served for 32 years. Through his leadership, guidance, and compassion,
he impacted the lives of countless young men, offering them hope, direction, and
opportunity.
Carlton loved Motown oldies, singing, fishing, spending time with his family,
connecting with his long-time friends, and home cooked food… making sweet
potato pies and banana pudding were two of his specialties. He was also a very
active member of the North Carolina A&T Alumni chapter.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarkson Sams and Thelma Vansella
Johnson, and his granddaughter, Cyanne Sams.
Carlton leaves to cherish his memory his loving children, Cristofer Scott Sams,
Danielle Lauren Sams Eni, and Elyse Grace Sams; his former wife, Janice W.
Sams; his siblings, Hazel Annette Johnson and Michael Johnson; a host of
grandchildren, including Crystal Sams Amen, Chase Sams, Ca’Ron Sams,
Nenna Eni, Arielle Eni, Nathanael Eni, Eke Ethan Eni, and Jayce Eni; and his
great-grandchildren, Alaia Amen and Kingston Amen. He is also lovingly
remembered by his nieces and nephews, including Vansella DuHart, Michael
Johnson, and Teah Johnson, along with a host of extended family members and
friends who will forever cherish his memory.
“I am thankful to the Lord, my God, for seeing me through this difficult yet
wonderful life.
”
~Carlton E. Sams
Though Carlton has taken his rest, his legacy will continue to live on in the lives
he touched, the lessons he taught, and the love he shared.
A Homegoing Celebration will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, May 18, 2026, at
Howell Funeral Home, 10220 Guilford Road, Jessup, Maryland 20794. Interment
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