Jana Sue (Samford) Wright

A Celebration of Life honoring Jana Sue (Samford) Wright, 67, of Nacogdoches will be held at 11:00AM on Saturday, January 24, 2026 at Mt. Union Freewill Baptist Church with Bro. Kenneth Rector officiating.  

Mrs. Wright passed away on Tuesday, December 16, 2025 in Nacogdoches. She was born on February 16, 1958 in Center, Texas.

Jana Sue passed away peacefully surrounded by close family on December 16, 2025, in Nacogdoches TX, leaving behind a legacy of faith, strength, creativity and love that will be cherished by all that knew her.

Born and raised in Center, Jana Sue carried her small-town roots with her throughout her life. She had a lifelong passion for music and was a founding member of the Outlaw Rebel Band. An accomplished bass player and pianist, she shared her talent generously, bringing joy through every note she played. In addition to music, she had a true gift for baking and cooking, where she was well known for her beautiful wedding cakes and delicious sweets, which were a highlight of many catered events throughout the community. Her creations reflected not only her talent, but the love and care she put into everything she did.

Her faith was the guiding force in her life, she was true disciple of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and an active member of Mount Union Freewill Baptist Church of Garrison, where she found fellowship, purpose and community.

Jana Sue was preceded in death by her father, O.T. Samford; her mother, Christine Samford; her brother, Greg Samford; and late husband, Jeff Wright.

She is survived by her brother, Max Samford and wife Shelia of Longview; her three children Gary Sterlin Williams and wife Jenifer of Nacogdoches, Christine Cline and husband Joseph of Waterman, and Jeffery Scott Wright of Nacogdoches.

Jana is further survived by her grandchildren: Hailley Byrd and husband Korey, Tyler Williams, Austin Williams, Savana Williams, Zoe Cline, Acesa Cline and Callahan Wright; great-grandchildren, Dhalton, Aubrie, Tinsley, and Atlas Jean. In addition to her immediate family, numerous extended family members and friends.

She will be remembered for her quick wit, warm heart, artistic spirit, and unwavering devotion to her family, friends and faith.

A graveside service will be held Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, at 1:30 pm at Waterman Cemetery, under the direction of Laird Funeral Home, with Pastor Ron Luman officiating. Additionally, a celebration of life will be held Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, at 11:00 am at Mount Union Freewill Baptist Church in Garrison.

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