Shan Samis

On January 29, 2025, Shirley Ann Smith Samis (Shan), passed away at the age of 97. Shan was born on October 29, 1927 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. She was the daughter of Rollin & Margaret Smith and sister of Adrienne Burress and Rollie Peterson. Shan graduated from Central High School in Oklahoma City in 1945. She attended college at The University of Oklahoma and pledged Pi Beta Phi sorority. Shan was a member of All Souls Episcopal Church in Oklahoma City.

Shan married Jim Samis in 1947. They were married for 73 years until Jim passed away in 2021. They raised six children, Susan Samis Hoffman, Linda Samis James, Michael Stephen Samis, James DeBolt Samis, Robert Smith Samis and Shirley Samis Everest. 

Shan and Jim lived part-time in places such as Montana, Rancho Mirage, California, Santa Barbara, California, Rancho Santa Fe, California and most notably Los Cabos, Mexico. Shan loved her friends, and they loved her. She was a very funny lady and made everyone laugh and feel comfortable. Her laugh was infectious and everyone always seemed to be having a great time when they were with Shan. She was a member of the Junior League of Oklahoma City and also chaired the Beaux Arts Ball. Earlier in life she played golf, tennis and paddle tennis and enjoyed water skiing. She was an avid bridge player and indeed maintained her weekly bridge game until a few weeks before her passing. She loved her camaraderie with her friends and cherished the time together.

Shan’s family has been graced to have such a wonderful mother for such a long time. We spent countless hours together, in places all over the world, enjoying the many blessings bestowed upon the family. We never questioned our mom’s love. We all felt like we were her favorite child. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren all loved spending time with Shan, as she always made them laugh and reminded them that life was meant to be enjoyed and people were meant to be loved. 

Shan was preceded in death by her husband, Jim, son Mike and her sisters Adrienne and Rollie. She is survived by her remaining five children, Susan Hoffman and her spouse Peter, Linda James and her spouse Ron, daughter-in-law Karen Samis, Jim Samis and his spouse Lynn, Bob Samis and his spouse Mary Kay, Shirley Everest and her spouse Pete. Shan is also survived by her 15 grandchildren and their spouses and her 29 great grandchildren.

The family would like to thank long-time caregiver Veronica Reyes. Veronica loved Shan for many years and became as much of a companion for Shan as a caregiver.

If anyone wishes to remember Shan with their gifts of affection, please direct such gifts to All Souls Episcopal Church, 6400 N. Pennsylvania Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73116. https://allsoulsokc.com/give

The family will be having a private service in remembrance of Shan.