"I come to the garden alone, while the dew is still on the roses. And the voice I hear, falling on my ear, the Son of God discloses ........."
Samuel Batiste, 80, took his walk thru the garden on Tuesday, April 11, 2006, at 3:15 P.M. from his home in Houston, Texas.
Samuel was born on June 3rd, 1925 in New Orleans, Louisiana to Faborla Washington and Cleveland Thomas Batiste. He was the tenth child of 11 children. He received his education from public schools in New Orleans, Louisiana. Samuel accepted Christ and was baptized at an early age at Morning Star Baptist Church.
Samuel served in the U.S. Navy for three years during World War II before receiving an Honorable Discharge in 1946. During this time he married Myrtle Wharton and to this union five children were born.
Samuel was a self-employed carpenter for most of his life. Relaxing for him was going to the lake fishing. He was a member of New Life Baptist Church where he sang in the choir until he moved to Michigan. Upon returning to New Orleans, Samuel attended and joined Solid Rock Baptist Church. He was ordained as a Deacon by Pastor Gibson. At the time of his death he was a member of Greater Carver Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Willie Montgomery. Samuel was called into the ministry by God and was licensed by Pastor Montgomery. After being a widow for several years, Samuel married Carolyn Guss. He enjoyed their union until he departed this life.
Samuel was preceded in death by 3 sisters: Mary Batiste, Amelia Batiste, and Rose Jackson; 7 brothers: Thomas, James, Leonard, Anthony, John, Clem, and Brenson. He leaves to cherish his memories his wife Carolyn Batiste of Houston, Texas; 5 children: Lois Batiste of Ripon, California, Gwendolyn B. Prosper of New Orleans, Louisiana, Anthony Batiste of Slidell, Louisiana, Carolyn B. Snaer of Ripon, California, and Elaine B. Madina of Houston, Texas; sister Alice B. Clark of Marrero, Louisiana; 2 sons-in-law: Jack H. Snaer, Sr. of California and Charles A. Madina, Jr. of Houston, Texas; stepson Milton Guss of Houston, Texas; 15 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.
Funeral Services were held at 12:00 P.M. on Wednesday, April 19th, 2006 in the VA Chapel with Pastor Charles E. Garrison officiating at the Houston National Cemetery with viewing immediately before. Military Honors with "Taps" were rendered by an Honor Detail from the Naval Reserve Forces Command, 4400 Dauphine Street in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Samuel will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
"......... and He walks with me and He talks with me, and He tells me I am His own.
And the joy we share as we tarry there, none other has ever known ........."
