Julia Mae Samms

Samms ~ Julia Mae Caine Samms, transitioned on February 19, 2026, surrounded by her beloved family. She was born February 10, 1933, to the late Walter Caine and Mabel Hartsfield Caine, on Jacksonville Beach, Florida. Her miraculous birth started as being the seventh child and stillborn; her grandmother placed drops of water in her mouth and her amazing life began.

She attended local schools in Jacksonville Beach and later graduated from Old Stanton High School in downtown Jacksonville. Mother Samms studied Religion, Social Work and Elementary Education at Edward Waters (College) University and graduated in 1966. Mother Samms later earned her Master of Education from FAMU in 1974. A lover of learning, she also took classes at University of North Florida and various courses in religion.

Mother Samms was a proud student of the Gospel throughout her life!!! She served as a Pastor’s Wife and Sunday School Teacher at The Church of Christ By Faith, which she founded with her late husband. This impactful organization influenced the Jacksonville Beach community for 35+ years and many were led to salvation. Her roots in the faith were established with the Church of God by Faith organization where she was a pioneer/founder in developing their Sunday School Convention, their Souvenir Program Book, and many other contributions.

In 1971, Mother Samms met her husband, Mr. Merrick Samms Jr, and they wed in June of that year. Mother Samms loved children and raised Patricia Taylor, Leonard Taylor, and the late Micheal Taylor. To their union of 40+ years, they were blessed with Merrick Samms III, Julia T. Samms, and Julius Samms. A beloved grandson that she shared a close bond with and enjoyed rearing was Merrick Samms IV. In addition, Mother Samms enjoyed many animals from dogs, cats, birds, and a 50-gallon fish tank.

Mother Samms was a proud teacher at several elementary schools in the beaches area. She was the first Black Teacher at Seabreeze Elementary and later taught at Jax Beach 5th and 6th grade center, now Jacksonville Beach Elementary, for 30+ years until her retirement. Her career began with passion and excellence in educational instruction that she was nominated her first year for Teacher of the Year 1974. Duval County Public Schools District Office commended her service through the Gold Honor Ambassador membership and a treasured golden apple upon retirement. In addition, Mother Samms loved care giving and worked for Betty McNeil in caring for husband as a CNA. She also lived with her Mother “Mudear” until age 37 where she performed many roles and learned about investing in real estate, cooking, being a landlord, caring for the community and less fortunate, and living a godly lifestyle.

A woman ahead of her times; a trailblazer! At a young age, Mother Samms purchased many parcels of land in Jacksonville Beach. She owned and managed several rental properties in Jacksonville and Jacksonville Beach. Mother Samms was very charitable and concerned about people; often blessing them in a variety of ways. She also cared for Belinda Pressley, Velda Johnson, and Chloe McQueen when called upon by her family. Mother Samms also contributed to many children of both the Samms and Caine families, as well as nieces and nephews of her siblings. Many remember her for always remembering their birthdays as children and doing something special for them, or the thoughtful actions after her siblings passed.

Preceded to glory by her parents; siblings, Samuel Caine, Walter “Big Bud” Caine Jr, Isiah Caine, Ernestine Woods, Marjorie Brown Smith. Surviving sibling, her brother, John B. Caine (Karen); sister-in-law, Doris Samms; godsister, Marjorie Holloway, all who will remember her lasting impact; a host of nephews, nieces, and cousins will continue the legacy.

Mother Samms has left a successful blueprint to be followed: Godliness First through a foundation in Jesus Christ, commitment to family, and community impact with your blessings from God. May God welcome her into eternal rest for a job well done!

Heavenly United…Julia M. Samms and Merrick Samms Jr…

Merrick Sinclair Samms Jr, was born October 5, 1934, and transitioned May 2013. He was born to Merrick Samms Sr and Theola Elizabeth Samms. He was the oldest son of their union and was born in O’Neal Florida.

Elder Samms worked at Trailmobile as a Shop Mechanic, was an Undercover Police Officer, and a long-distance truck driver. He retired as a professional welder from Sea-Land with the International Longshoremen’s Association Local 1408 after many years of service.

In 1971, he married his wife, Julia Mae Caine, and to their union were Merrick Samms III, Julia Theola Samms, and Julius Samms. Together they also raised Patricia Taylor, Leonard “Chuck” Taylor, and the late Micheal Taylor Sr.

During his family time, he enjoyed raising farm animals, having a dog or two around, and many outdoor adventures such as boating, casting the net, riding the 4-wheeler, or welding bar-b-que grills. In addition, he was held in high esteem by his relatives, and his home was the gathering spot for many holiday meals, where he often shared fresh beef and pork that he had packaged. Elder Samms was also a hard worker, and a “Mr. Fix Anything”, which he taught to his children. A license plate phrase on his Cadillacs was “I Fight Poverty – I Work!” A valuable mantra he lived by, in addition to, Put God & Godly Behavior First and Believe in Jesus Christ!

Elder Samms had a passion for the Lord. His salvation began with Pastor June Lundy of the Church of God By Faith, and later he established his own ministry with his wife in Jacksonville Beach, Florida called The Church of Christ By Faith. He pastored for over 30 years, impacting many lives in the beaches and Jacksonville areas.

Another way in which Elder Samms impacted the Jacksonville community was through managing rental property on the Southside and at the beaches with his wife, Julia. They were a source of benevolence to many of their tenants and to many strangers that they met on their journey.

Preceded in death by his parents; all of his siblings, Madgelene Samms, Edith Samms, Elizabeth “Liz” Samms, Naomi Samms Taylor, Elijah Simeon “Bear” Samms, James “Bubba” Samms, Sr.

May Elder Samms be warmly greeted in Heaven with Thy Good and Faithful Servant!

Two Amazing Parents forever in our hearts, mind and actions! To God Be The Glory!

Please sign online guest book and share your fond memories. Mail any correspondence to Care of J. M. Samms, P O Box 19064, Jacksonville, Florida 32245 or send flowers to The Soutel Chapel by Thursday, March 26th. We appreciate your love, support and prayers! Because of the love of her family, arrangements entrusted to J. E. Fralin & Sons Funeral & Cremation Services, 5065 Soutel Drive, 904-924-9400

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