Sammie Lee Mullins Gambles slipped away from her family and friends on December 25, 2025 at St. Dominic’s Hospital in Jackson, MS. She was 74.
Sammie was born December 17, 1951 to Mr. and Mrs. C.D. Mullins of Mendenhall. Sammie was a passionate and skilled basketball player who was a deciding factor in the success of the Lady Tigers. She was also a Mendenhall High Beauty. She graduated from Mendenhall High in 1969 and went on to Hinds County Junior College where she was a Hinds High Stepper. She later finished Beauty School and began her life’s work.
Sammie was a gifted Hair Stylist for 45 years. She owned her own salon, S & C Salon in Natchitoches, LA before moving to the Jackson Metro Area in 1986. She worked at Earl & Joseph’s, Gloss, and finally, Joanies. Sammie understood the impact of self-confidence, and she gifted at creating looks that inspired it. She was a fantastic listener and conversationalist—a client may sit in her chair weighed down by their problems, but when they left, they felt heard and armed to fight on. This was no insignificant gift.
Sammie will be remembered for her warm nature. She was an empathetic and generous friend. She had the unique ability to listen without judgement. Funny yet tough, she never met a stranger. Her warm light will be missed.
Sammie is survived by her daughter, Brandi Gambles; beloved granddaughter Mary Carter Gambles; siblings Claude (Mikeleen) Mullins, Kathy (Matt) Barnes, and Sarah Hughes; ex-husband and friend Joe Ellingburg; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends. She was
preceded in death by her parents C.D. and Catherine Mullins; sister Brenda Jones; and ex-husband John “Bo” Gambles.
A celebration of her life wase held Saturday, January 10, 2026, from 11 am to 1 pm at Wright & Ferguson Funeral Home in Flowood with internment in Stonewall Cemetery at a later date.
