Samantha “Sam” Burris

Samantha “Sam” Burris, 61, of Lebanon, passed away Thursday, July 16, 2026, in her home surrounded by loved ones. She was born April 9, 1965, in Hartford City, Indiana, the daughter of Charles “Chuck” Reynolds and Martha “Marti” Bailey. Sam married the love of her life, James “Jim” Burris Jr. on April 3, 1993.

Sam graduated from North Central High School before earning her bachelor’s degree from the Herron School of Art. She devoted more than 33 years of her career to Elevance Health, where she combined her artistic talent and creativity in graphic design and content creation.

Sam was a creative soul and found joy in many forms of artistry. She had a love for music and treasured attending concerts with family and friends. She had a deep adoration for Stevie Nicks and a passion for singing her songs loudly for everyone to hear. She enjoyed exploring art fairs, especially Talbott Street and Broad Ripple. She was a talented artist and created many beautiful paintings over the years. Sam loved to be surrounded by nature and enjoyed camping trips with family, and motorcycle rides with her husband. Some of her happiest memories were made during vacations to Jamaica with Jim, along with her beloved Aunt Nancy and Uncle Terry. With Sam’s bubbly, spunky personality, she never met a stranger. Above all else, Sam was devoted to her family, and incredibly proud of the one she and Jim created. She cherished every moment spent with those she loved, with a special love for her granddaughters.

Survivors include her husband, Jim Burris; father, Chuck (Phyllis) Reynolds; stepfather, Dave (Jackie) Bailey; daughters, Amber (Frank) Cinfio and Ashley Burris; granddaughters, Aubrianna and Mia; siblings, Mandi (Rob) Reynolds and her daughter Zoe (Evan) Cox, Shannon Reynolds, Paula (Phillip) Maners, Mike (Sherry) Bailey, and Gigi (Jeffrey) Kuhlman; aunt, Nancy (Terry) Sutton; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Marti Bailey, and her grandmother, Martha Schwark.

Family and friends will gather on Monday, July 20, 2026, for visitation from 1:00 p.m. until the time of the funeral service at 5:00 p.m. in the Strawmyer & Drury Mortuary, 2400 N. Lebanon Street, Lebanon.