Samantha Sue Emrick

Samantha Sue Emrick (“Sam”), 81, of Howard, Ohio, passed away peacefully on June 23, 2026, at her daughter’s home in Glen Mills, Pennsylvania, surrounded by the love of her family.

Born on November 19, 1944, in Clintwood, Virginia, Sam was the daughter of the late Virgie and Pridemore Mullins. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Pete Milton Emrick, with whom she shared 45 years of partnership, laughter, and adventure.

She was also preceded in death by her siblings James Odell Mullins, Ben Cecil Mullins (Faye), Bernice “Bea” Lee Mullins, Robert Hassel Mullins (Molly); brothers-in-law Robert Link, Kent Weber, Jack Moore, and Lou Aleshire; and by her cherished fur babies: Lady Bell of Arlington, Belle, Mimi.

Sam is survived by her children: Pamela Demarest (Peter), Bryan Yankulov, and Deborah Yankulov and by her siblings Ann Link, Jean Moore, Betty Weber, Joyce Aleshire, Harry Mullins (Linda), and Roger Mullins (Linda).

She was the proud grandmother and great-grandmother of Morgan Ezekiel (Kyle), Jessica Gans, Andrew Gans, Hannah Fischer (Kenny), William Demarest (Taylor), Skylar McGugin (Enzo Wielezynski), Chase McGugin, and Emma McGugin; and the loving great-grandmother of Chloe Conley, Liam Conley, Aiden Day, and Rhys Ezekiel. Also survived by Fur Babies Bella, and Frank—each of whom she adored.

Sam attended South High School in Columbus, Ohio.

A Life of Creativity, Compassion, and Spark

Sam lived a life full of color, energy, and heart. Her career path was as vibrant as she was, with each chapter reflecting her creativity, her work ethic, and her love of people. She owned and operated a pizzeria, worked as a restaurant server and bar manager (earning the unforgettable nickname “Legs”). She later became a property manager with Public Storage where she and Pete worked side-by-side for eight years, earning “Property Manager of the Year” twice.

Her compassion extended beyond her own family offering children stability, warmth, and a safe place to land as a foster parent.

In later years, Sam and Pete created “Sami’s,” a beloved fixture at fairs and events where they painted hair and applied temporary tattoos for kids and adults. Sam often reminisced about the joy of watching children’s faces glow with excitement and delight. Those moments and memories were pure magic to her.

The Heart of the Family

Sam’s personal passions were simple and deeply human:

• Loving her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren

• Listening to rock, folk, and R&B

• Watching classic movies and animal shows

• Spending time with family; especially the little ones

• Playing cards, a tradition she helped turn into a family ritual

• Pulling practical jokes and dressing up with the grandkids for Halloween

• Being with her beloved pets

She was also a proud 40-year QVC loyalist, and her family could always count on receiving a fun, thoughtful QVC treasure for holidays and special occasions.

Sam and Pete were affectionately known by family as Mr. and Mrs. Claus, as they went all out making the holidays extra special and memorable.

Strength, Grace, and Resilience

A breast cancer survivor, Sam lived with painful chronic illnesses for many years. Yet she was always positive and never complained. Her strength inspired everyone around her, from family and friends to her medical team and caregivers. She remained brave, warm, and full of love until the end.

Sam cared deeply for her family, and her absence leaves a profound and tender space in the hearts of all who loved her.

Celebration of Life

Plans for a Celebration of Sam’s life will be announced at a later date.