Clarisa Samm (Cunningham) Brehm

Clarisa Samm (Cunningham) Brehm, 72 of New Lexington, went into the loving arms of the Lord on Friday, February 16, 2024, peacefully at her home surrounded by her family. Samm was born on May 7, 1951, in Lancaster, Ohio to Raymond L. and Eileen M. (Marshall) Cunningham. She was a 1969 graduate of Fairfield Union High School. Throughout her adult life she embodied her compassion for others by being the house parent for the Children’s Home, then became a foster parent, loving and caring for over 100 children. She was the HR secretary for ITT Higbie for 19 years, Substitute teacher for Muskingum Valley ESC and finally New Lexington High School secretary until she retired in 2017. Samm had been a member of the New Lexington Mother’s Club, Hill Folk Players, Community Theater (with playing the Reverend Mother in “Nunsense”, being her favorite play/musical). She served on the Entertainment committee for the Autumn in the Hills and traveled with Pure in Heart as their sound technician. Samm was very strong in her faith and active in her church, Mt. Zion United Brethren, in Junction City, where she served as a Sunday School teacher, treasurer and children’s church leader. Samm enjoyed spending time with her family, traveling (especially Gatlinburg, TN), music, laughter, making cards for every occasion for others, and above all giving her life to God and thanking him for every day. To know Samm was to love her. Her self portrait: a Child of God, wife, mother of 2, Nan, daughter, sister, teacher, singer, artist, photographer, scrapbooker, card maker, doll maker, world traveler, actress. Lover of Butterflies, Angels and chocolate; redhead, clown, sad child and Full of the Joy of Life. Samm is survived by her devoted husband, soulmate, and best friend of 53 years, David; A daughter, Amalea “Amy” Bond; a son, Guy Brehm of New Lexington; Grandsons, Jordon (Marissia) Miller, Jamison Bond (Lena), and Nathan Bond. Great grandsons Claude and Wyatt, great granddaughter, Ella, of New Lexington. She was happily awaiting the birth of the newest great grandson (Westley) due to arrive in July. Brothers, Robert (Sheree) Cunningham of Nelsonville, Marshall (Billie Jean) Cunningham, of Bremen. Sisters, Louretta (Tom) McCoy of Blue Springs, MO, Susan Friesner of Lancaster, and Betsy Grimm of Laurelville. Many nieces, nephews, and friends. In addition to her parents, she was proceeded in death by a brother Tim Cunningham and niece Tonya Wiseman. Calling hours will be from 4-6 p.m. on Tuesday, February 20, 2024, at the Bope-Thomas Funeral Home, Somerset, Ohio. Family, friends and others whose lives Samm touched are invited to the Mt Zion United Brethren Church, 2965 Toll Gate Rd, Junction City, Ohio for a graveside service at 12:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 21, 2024, with a Celebration of her Life following in the Fellowship Hall. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mt Zion United Brethren Church, P.O. Box 295, Junction City, Ohio 43748 or Perry County Cancer Alliance, P.O. Box 724, New Lexington, Ohio 43764, in her honor. www.bopethomasfuneralhome.com

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