Sammy Funderburk

Sammy H. Funderburk passed away on January 27, 2020, at the age of 102.  “Maw-Maw” or “Sis”, as she was known to her family, was born on December 28, 1917.  She grew up in Ponchatoula, Louisiana, graduated from Ponchatoula High School in 1935, and received her degree in education from Southeastern Louisiana University in 1961. Maw-Maw was an elementary school teacher and librarian who fostered her love of reading and learning in her students and her family. She married Robert Clyde Funderburk, Sr. (“Coach”) on June 1, 1944 and the couple welcomed a son, Robert Clyde Funderburk, Jr. (“Bobby”) on November 19, 1945. In 1966, the family moved to Baton Rouge, where she lived for more than fifty years.

A country girl at heart, she loved everything outdoors (especially owls), always had a dog (or dogs) by her side, and introduced us to phrases like “crazy as a bessie bug” and “hot as blue blazes.”  She also loved her Atlanta Braves and LSU Tigers, intently watching every game, celebrating the victories and lamenting the defeats.  But her family was her top priority, and she blessed us with her unconditional love for over a century.  As a teacher and school librarian, she left a lasting impression on her students; and as a wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, and great-grandmother, she gave her family daily examples of strength and selflessness that will long survive her passing.

Sammy is survived by her beloved son, Bobby; grandsons, Rob and John (Noel); great-grandchildren, Kaileigh, Emma, Ryan, Abigail, Douglas, James, and Hollis; niece, Sammy Sue Thibo (Joe); nephews, Joe Farlow and Reid Hagg (Leilani); and her dogs, Molly and Buddy.  She is preceded in death by her parents, Samuel Oscar Hagg, Sr. and Pearl Davis Hagg; husband, Robert Clyde Funderburk, Sr.; brother, Samuel Oscar Hagg, Jr.; and sister, Mildred Lenore Clanton.

Visitation will be at Resthaven Funeral Home on Thursday, January 30, 2020 from 9:00 am until 11:00 am, with a service at 11:00 am, officiated by Rev. Chris Andrews. Burial to follow at Resthaven Gardens of Memory.  Pallbearers will be David Butler, Ken Fortenberry, Charles Gautreau, Doug Moreau, Perry Snyder, Mark Tolson, and John Winters.  The family wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Maw-Maw’s dedicated caregivers, Doris Hall and Develyn London, and to the wonderful people at Baton Rouge General Hospital and EMS.