Sampson High School-Home of the Rams

08/31/2026

A Tribute to My Classmate and Friend

Minister Almond Franklin Butler (February 14, 1948, to August 27, 2026)

Our journey began many years ago in the halls of Butler Avenue School, where we attended elementary school together from 1954 to 1962. Those early years were the beginning of friendships and memories that would remain with us throughout our lives.
In 1962, we continued our education at Sampson High School, where we shared three memorable years together, from 1962 to 1965. In May 1965, during the period of Freedom of Choice, seven of our Sampson High School classmates made the decision to attend Clinton High School. That transition brought us even closer together and gave us an opportunity to strengthen the friendships we had already formed.

We graduated from Clinton High School in June 1966, carrying with us not only our diplomas, but also the memories, experiences, laughter, and friendships that had been built throughout our school years.

After high school, each of us chose different career paths and embarked upon our own individual journeys. Life took us in different directions, but the bond we formed as classmates and friends remained. Eventually, we had the blessing of reconnecting in our hometown of Clinton, where we could once again see one another, share conversations, and reminisce about the wonderful days we spent together at Sampson High School and Clinton High School.

One of the most special memories we shared was our 60th Class Reunion on June 20, 2026. Being together again after so many years gave us an opportunity to reflect on where our lives had taken us and to celebrate the friendship and history we shared. Those moments are now even more precious.

Minister Almond Franklin Butler, thank you for being my classmate, my friend, and a part of a journey that began more than seven decades ago. Your presence brought meaning to our shared memories, and your friendship was a gift that I will always cherish.
Although you are no longer with us, the memories of our school days, our conversations, our laughter, and the friendship we shared will remain in my heart.

You will be deeply missed, but you will never be forgotten.
Rest peacefully, my classmate and friend. Your journey on earth has ended, but your memory will live on in all of us who had the privilege of knowing you.

Your Friend,
Johnny C. Pridgen, Jr.

08/17/2026

SHSAA, INC 54th ANNUAL REUNION-SCHOLARSHIP LUNCHEON PROGRAM

08/17/2026

SHSAA, INC 54TH ANNUAL REUNION SOUVENIR BOOKLET 2026

08/15/2026

SHSAA, INC 1975 Vesper Service Program. Thanks to Mrs. Maggie Wood Williams for this material. Enjoy!!!

08/15/2026

Members of the SHSAA, INC Clinton Chapter. Date of photo is unknown and do you known any of these members? Photo credited to Mrs. Maggie Wood Williams.

08/10/2026

Obituary

Mr. Lamont Parker, 87, of Clinton, NC, passed away Tuesday, August 4, 2026, UNC Rex Healthcare, Raleigh, NC.

The funeral service will be held at 11am, Saturday, August 15, 2026, at Lisbon Street Missionary Baptist Church, Clinton, NC with Rev. Dr. Bobby Lamb officiating.

Interment in Hillcrest Memorial Park, Clinton, NC.

Viewing at the Church
Saturday, August 15, 2026
10am - 11am

08/10/2026

SHSAA, INC. CELEBRATES 54TH ANNUAL REUNION

The Sampson High School Alumni Association, Inc. (SHSAA, Inc.) proudly celebrated its 54th Annual Reunion, held August 7–9, 2026, at the Hilton Garden Inn in Raleigh-Cary, North Carolina.
The weekend was filled with fellowship, friendship, cherished memories, and opportunities for classmates and alumni to reconnect and celebrate the lasting legacy of Sampson High School.

The reunion concluded on Sunday with a meaningful Worship Service at Watts Chapel Baptist Church in Raleigh, North Carolina, bringing members together in faith, thanksgiving, and fellowship.
Those SHSAA, Inc. members who attended the 54th Annual Reunion are proudly pictured in the photograph below. Their presence helped make this year's gathering a memorable celebration of classmates, friendship, tradition, and the enduring spirit of Sampson High School.

Photo Credit: Mrs. Maie Parker

We extend our appreciation to everyone who participated and helped make the 54th Annual SHSAA, Inc. Reunion a wonderful and memorable occasion. May the bonds of friendship and the legacy of Sampson High School continue to grow for generations to come.

08/03/2026

08/01/2026

Photos of the SHSAA, Inc Annual distribution of school supplies on Saturday, August 1st from 10 am to 1 pm.

08/01/2026

Patricia Ann Jacobs Barber

March 30, 1946 - July 22, 2026

In Loving Memory of Patricia “Pat” Ann Barber

Patricia “Pat” Ann Barber was born in Washington, D.C., to the late Ulas Grant Jacobs and Lossie W. Jacobs. At an early age, her family relocated to Clinton, North Carolina, where she was raised alongside her beloved brother, Charles Jacobs. She attended the local public schools before pursuing higher education at Fayetteville State College, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Social Work. Following graduation, Pat began her professional career as a social worker in New York City before making California her lifelong home.
Determined to expand her impact in the field of education, Pat earned a Master of Arts degree in Special Education from Sonoma State University. She dedicated more than three decades to the Vallejo City Unified School District, faithfully serving students at Franklin Middle School, Vallejo High School, and Jesse Bethel High School. Even after retiring, Pat’s passion for teaching remained unwavering as she continued to empower others by teaching life skills at Vallejo Adult School.
Pat believed deeply in serving her community and enriching the lives of others. She generously volunteered with Meals on Wheels and was an active member of the Greater Vallejo Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated, as well as Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®, Kappa Beta Omega Chapter. One of her most meaningful community contributions was leading the Shade Project at St. Catherine of Siena School, ensuring that children could enjoy their lunch comfortably without sitting in the hot California sun.
Outside of her professional and volunteer work, Pat found great joy in listening to music, tending her garden, painting, traveling, and creating cherished memories with her family. Above all, she treasured every moment spent with her three beloved grandsons.
Family was the foundation of Pat’s life. She shared an extraordinary 57 years of marriage with her devoted husband, Johnnie B. Barber, Jr. Together they lovingly raised their daughter, Ty-Sonja Rutkauskas, and, as Pat would often say, “gained another daughter” in Sunny O’Donnell-Simkonis. She was a proud and loving grandmother to Romanas Simkonis, Alexander Rutkauskas, and Dainius Simkonis. Pat also faithfully volunteered at St. Catherine of Siena School in support of Alexander and the entire school community.
Pat leaves to cherish her memory her daughters, Ty-Sonja Rutkauskas and Sunny O’Donnell-Simkonis; her grandsons, Romanas Simkonis, Alexander Rutkauskas, and Dainius Simkonis; her sisters-in-law, India Barber, Cardinalli Barber, Kathy Barber, and Britt Jacobs; her brother-in-law, Paul Barber; her nieces and goddaughters, Sharonda Barber-Cooks, Tenisha Jacobs, Joycelyn Dawson, Anne Lundy, and Avril Rockwood; her nephew, Charles Jacobs, Jr.; her great-nephew, Drake Rankin; her cousins, Joyce Graham and Carolyn Flood-Goode; along with a host of additional cousins, extended family members, and dear friends whose lives she touched from the East Coast to the West Coast.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Ulas Grant Jacobs and Lossie W. Jacobs; her brother, Charles Jacobs; her mother-in-law, Ruth A. Barber; her father-in-law, Johnnie B. Barber, Sr.; her brother-in-law, Frankie A. Barber; and beloved relatives Matt and Rhoda Dawson.
Pat had a remarkable gift for making friends wherever she went. Her warm smile, compassionate heart, unwavering faith, generous spirit, and steadfast devotion to her family created a legacy that will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know her. Her life was one of love, service, kindness, and grace, and her memory will forever remain in the hearts of those she leaves behind.
Funeral Arrangements
Visitation:
Sunday, August 2, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., with a Vigil Service beginning at 5:00 p.m., at Twin Chapels Mortuary, 1100 Tennessee Street, Vallejo, California.
Mass of Christian Burial:
Monday, August 3, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, Vallejo, California.
Interment:
Immediately following the Mass at All Souls Cemetery, Vallejo, California.