Samiaha Kerr

KERR Samiaha ("Sam")  Age  58, of Swartz Creek passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 7, surrounded by family at her home, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. An extraordinary wife and mother, Sam was born in Flint, Michigan on October 14, 1962. She married the love of her life, James ("Richard") Kerr, in 1981. Sam and Richard adored each other throughout their more than 40 years of marriage. They were always laughing when they were together, especially while enjoying one of their famous golf cart rides down their dirt road to take in the scenery and spot the local livestock. She loved spending time with her daughters - especially when it involved shopping. She always looked forward to their annual holiday Ulta tradition along with her granddaughter, Suzanne. She also loved and appreciated her sons-in-law, Jason and Nick. And despite the family dog, Ella, shedding alarming quantities of hair each day, Sam loved her, too. A dog-lover to her core, she enjoyed being a "granny" to her five "grand-pups." In addition to dogs, Sam also loved all holidays, and was always decorating and crafting for festivities big and small. Her incredible warmth and sense of fun filled every gathering and celebration with love. Approximately ten years ago, Sam was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, which, because of her diligence in regards to her health, was caught very early. As the cancer recurred, she combated it with phenomenal willpower and selflessness. With a resolute sense of acceptance and unceasing positivity she carried on. Her strength and bravery throughout her battle were immeasurable. Sam would want to encourage everyone to take charge of their health, never skip a yearly physical, and to be diligent and proactive, even in the face of potentially scary news. She would also urge all women to undergo cancer screenings; despite ovarian cancer commonly going undetected through the early stages, we had ten great years with her because she completed genetic testing and made the courageous choice to undergo a preventative hysterectomy. She is survived by her parents James and Joyce Brock; husband James "Richard" Kerr; daughters Taryn (Jason) Burge and Brittany (Nicholas) Liston; granddaughter Suzanne Liston; sisters-in-law Debi Kerr and Diana Brock; nieces Kristin Vitous, Kelly Kerr and Amanda Ellis; and nephew Jason Brock. Sam was preceded in death by her father-in-law John Franke, sister Shelly Brock, brother-in-law Bill Kerr, and brother James Brock. In accordance with Sam’s wishes, no funeral service will be held. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution to a local organization providing financial assistance for women’s cancer screenings or Detroit Dog Rescue