Atha Sample was born in Odum, Georgia on “Thanksgiving Day”, November 27th in 1924. After her fifth birthday she moved to Charleston and met her life long friend, Winkie Witt Cammer.
She graduated from North Charleston High School in June of 1942. While in high school she played basketball, volleyball and softball. Her basketball team was considered on of the best! The team made it to the District’s playoff’s championship tournament which was held in Orangeburg, South Carolina. They lost the championship by one point, however, Atha was named All-state Guard for South Carolina and then selected by the souuts to play professional basketball. Her parents said “No, she was too young to leave home”. (She was almost eighteen.)
After graduation, Atha went to work in the Charleston Navy Yard (as it was called then) and there met her husband, George Sample. They were married in 1947 and blessed with two beautiful daughters, Janice and Mary Ann. Janice is married to Wayne Geiger and they have one son, Eric. Mary Ann is married to Larry Munoz and they have one son, Matthew. Janice and Wayne are also bowlers. Mary Ann is in the medical field and Larry is a golfer, as is Eric. Matthew is a sophomore at Stratford High School.
Atha and her husband built a home in Wando Woods, and she met Louise Withrock who introduced her to the game of bowling in 1957 – 43 years ago. The bowling alley was in a building that was originally an old theater with eight lanes (Dorchester #1). League meetings were held in the balcony and the league rules were: #1 Bowl at 6;30 – #2 Be on time. League fees were $.50 per line and the WIBC card cost $.75. At this time, the SCWBA did not exist.
She has been a member of the CWBA for forty years and was a member in Puerto Rico for one year. She served on the Charleston WBA as a director for many years; 1st Vice President for four years and is currently serving as the President. Atha has held all league offices and was president of the Charleston YABA for seven years and also served on the SCYABA Board of Directors. Atha has been a delegate to the SCWBA many years.
Atha’s highest career game is 267 – highest average – 171 and highest set – 609!
Atha is proud she was introduced to the game of bowling. It has given her the opportunity to share many wonderful and precious memories with her family and friends.
Atha’s selection as a member of the SCWBA Hall of Fame is much deserved. She has served her local and state association well over many years and will continue to be an asset to both.
The Hall of Fame of the South Carolina Women’s Bowling Association welcomes Atha Sample as a true “Pioneer”.
Obituary:
ATHA NELL FIELDS SAMPLE AGE 94 PASSED ON APRIL 12, 2019. SHE WAS BORN NOV 27, 1924. SHE WAS PRECEEDED BY HER MOTHER [MAMIE KING] AND FATHER [GRADY KING], HER HUSBAND GEORGE SKIDMORE SAMPLE, AND HER DAUGHTER MARY ANN MUNOZ. SHE IS SURVIVED BY DAUGHTER JANICE GEIGER [WAYNE], GRAND CHILDREN ERIC HAYES [JARRETT], AND MATT MORSE [JENNA], GREAT GRAND CHILDREN PARKER HAYES, AND ADDIE MORSE, AND SON-IN-LAW LARRY MUNOZ SHE WAS A MEMBER OF LOCAL BOWLING ASSOCIATION, THE LOCAL, STATE, AND YOUTH HALLS OF FAME AND PAST PRESIDENT OF WIBC. SHE WAS ALSO A MEMBER OF MIDLAND PARK UNITED METHODIST CHURCH. SHE RETIRED FROM THE CHARLESTON NAVAL SHIPYARD, AND GRADUATED FROM NORTH CHARLESTON HIGH SCHOOL, WHERE SHE PLAYED BASKETBALL FOR THE BLUE DEVILETTES. SHE ENJOYED BEING WITH AND TALKING TO HER MANY FRIENDS AND FAMILY. VISITATION TUESDAY APRIL 16, 2019 FROM 12:30 PM UNTIL 2 PM. A LIFE WELL CELEBRATED SERVICE TO FOLLOW AT 2PM WITH BURIAL TO FOLLOW ALL AT CAROLINA MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME AND GARDENS. FLOWERS WILL BE ACCEPTED OR CONTRIBUTIONS CAN BE MADE TO MIDLAND PARK UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OR THE AMERICAN LUNG ASSOCIATION.
Information provided by:
Carolina Funeral Home, North Charleston, SC 843-797-2222
