Selma Ray "Sam" Head nee Deaton

OBITUARY Selma Ray Head, known to most as Sam, of Salem, MO departed this life at her home, on Sunday, October 5, 2025, having reached the age of seventy-six years, one month and thirteen days. Sam was born in St. Clair, MO on August 23, 1949, daughter of James Willis Deaton and Frances Marie Deaton nee Downey. As a young woman she was united in marriage and blessed to have three children. About forty years ago she began sharing her life with Stevin Norris and their families were joined as one. Sam is survived by her long time companion Stevin Norris of Salem, MO; by her children, Dale Head and wife, Carol, of Salem, MO, Wayne Head of Salem, MO and Glen Head of Salem, MO; by her step-children, Matt Norris and wife, Tara, of Lewiston, PA and Heather Norris of Salem, MO; by five brothers, Eddie Ray Staggs, Larry Moore, Mark Moore, Paul Moore and wife, Candace, and Timmy Moore; by three sisters, Pam Stennett, Martha McGee, Virginia Moore and the late Thelma Washburn; by two half-sisters, Sally Musgrave and Josephine Easton; by ten grandchildren, Dewayne Emory and wife, Amy, Kyle Head and wife, Rebecca, Carlnez Head, Melanie Head, Josh Head and wife, Lauren, Demetry Head, Trisha Payne, Liam Norris, Andrew Hennigh and Victoria Hennigh; by ten great-grandchildren, Dalton, Dillon, Brodi, Brandi, Tatum, Tesha, Hunter Oakley, Novalee and Jacob; by nieces, nephews, great and great-great-nieces and nephews, cousins and many friends. Sam was preceded in death by her parents, James and Frances Deaton; by two brothers, Beryl Downey and Albert Downey, Sr.; by eleven sisters, Thelma Washburn and ten other infant siblings; by one half-sister, Colleen DeClue; and by one granddaughter, Jody Head. During her working career she spent forty-five years employed by the Salem Care Center in Salem, MO as a restaurant aide, as well as working at Salem Memorial Hospital’s Long Term Care Department. Sam enjoyed traveling, going to yard sales and flea markets and having get-togethers with family and friends. She also enjoyed painting, sewing, working in the yard and planting roses. She was an avid Elvis Presley fan also and cherished the time she spent with her children and grandchildren. They held a very special place in her heart, as she did in theirs. The love they shared and many precious memories they created will forever be held in their hearts. A kind and loving companion, mother, mother-in-law, step-mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, sister-in-law, aunt, great and great-great-aunt, cousin and treasured friend, she will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew and loved her. Funeral services will be held at 12:00 PM Friday, October 10, 2025 at Russell Colonial Funeral Home in St. Clair, MO with Rev. Raymond Laramore officiating. Interment will be in United Methodist Cemetery in St. Clair, MO.

Selma Ray "Sam" Head nee Deaton

August 23, 1949 - October 5, 2025