Bishop Samuel E. Blount

You can show your love by sending flowers directly to the family by contacting: Debbie's Flowers (870) 633-2225, Robin Hood's Florist (870) 295-5450, ROYAL DESIGN FLOWERS (870) 735-2000, or Secret Flower Garden (870) 295-4619, and they can be delivered directly to Marianna Funeral Home or Miles Mortuary. Please forward all Resolutions and Letter of Condolences for Bishop S.E. Blount to: blount235789@yahoo.com (email) or 870.295.4443 (fax) Bishop Samuel E. Blount, 73 passed away Sunday, November 27, 2022, at Methodist University Hospital. The family will receive friends Monday, December 5, 2022, for a visitation from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM with the official funeral service to follow at 12:00 PM. All services will be held at Forrest City Civic Center, 1335 North Washington Street, Forrest City, AR 72335 All the law enforcement and professional vehicles that wish to be in the procession is asked to flash their emergency lights as they show respect and honor for him. If you wish to be a part of the processional, please be at Marianna Funeral Home, 28 Court Street, Marianna, AR, 72360 by 09:30AM. Interment will be in Forrest Park Cemetery, 2605 South Washington Street, Forrest City, AR 72335 If you need immediate help, contact Marianna Funeral Home directly. (870) 295-4440 Bishop Samuel Edward Blount was born on September 14, 1949, in Marianna, AR to the late William and Minnie Lee Blount. Bishop’s spiritual life began at an early age where he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior under the leadership of Reverend I.V. McKenzie at New Bethel Baptist Church at the tender age of 11 and preached his first sermon at the age of 12. Sam received his formal education in the Lee County School district. He went on to obtain an Associate Degree in Theology from Colgate Theological Seminary in Rochester, NY. He has served as Pastor of New Harmonia Church in Memphis, TN, and Greater Love M. B. Church in Southaven, MS. He is the Pastor of True Love Outreach Ministries in Memphis, TN where has been pastoring for the past twenty years. During his tenure at True Love, he was the founder of “Operation Stop” “Saints Touching Other People”, an organization that encourages Christians to go out and draw others to Christ and draw them away from violence and crime. He also served as the vice president of the Southern Leadership Conference in Memphis, TN. Bishop Samuel E. Blount served in many capacities in his community. He was the Fire Chief of the Haynes Fire Department, and served as Administrator of the Haynes Police Department, Reserve Deputy for the Lee County, and Fire Fighter for Lee County. He received numerous awards for his service to his community: Heritage Award recipient in 2009 for his loyalty and dedication to his community; Inducted into the Moten, Strong, & Lee Alumni Association Hall of Fame in 2013; Human and Civil Rights Award for outstanding service in Human & Civil Rights; Successful Black Businessman for 50 years, just to name a few. Bishop Blount has served as President of the Crittenden County NAACP. During this time, the late 70s, he led a march through the streets of West Memphis protesting the County’s providing running water to the dogs at the Greyhound Race Track, while overlooking providing running water for a small town, predominantly black, in Crittenden County. Shortly after the March, the town received running water for its citizens. Presently, he serves as president of the Lee County Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. He has led the fight for justice for Blacks in all aspects of injustice. Bishop Samuel E. Blount led a busy professional life. He began working in the funeral Industry in 1976, in West Memphis, AR and in 1978 established National Funeral Home, a few years later he opened Forrest City Funeral Home in Forrest City, and in 1980, Marianna Funeral Home was established. In his early years, he worked as a car salesman for a Chevrolet dealership in West Memphis, and Toyota in Memphis, TN. During the late seventies, he was a professional model for Sammy’s Men Store in Memphis, TN and GQ Men’s Fashions. He is preceded in death by his parents, William and Minnie Lee Blount, and his daughter, Cherril Blount. He leaves to cherish his memory: his loving wife, Nancy D. Blount, 1 son, Danny L. Blount, Marianna, AR; 3 daughters, Chantal Blount McGee (Clyde), Chicago, IL; Dawn Blount Scott (Michael), Toledo, OH; Laquita Blount Stribling (Finis III), Nashville, TN; one son-in-law, Carnice Brown, Chicago, IL; 1 aunt, Alice Thomas, Memphis, TN; 1 uncle, W. Henry Randle (Sherita), Chicago. IL; 17 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren; a special cousin, Jenice Mays (Lloyd), Memphis, TN, God children, Brenda Morris, Little Rock, AR; Kimberly Wright Tyson, Little Rock, AR, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, church family, Marianna Funeral Home family, and friends.

Bishop Samuel E. Blount

September 14, 1949 - November 27, 2022