Samantha "Sami" Kay Smith

Samantha “Sami” Kay Smith, 52, of Indianapolis, passed away surrounded by her loving family on Thursday, August 11, 2022 after a long and courageous battle with inflammatory breast cancer.  She was born on May 19, 1970 in Beech Grove to Linda Faye (Jones) Kojetin and Hollis Loren Smith.  Samantha was a graduate of Emmerich Manual High School, class of 1988. 

After graduating from high school, Sami started with Chi Chi’s and ended up being the manager prior to it’s closure.  She then went to TGI Fridays and was the General Manager prior to her disablility.  Her co-workers always called her “Mama” and it wasn’t just a nickname, it is who she was.  Sami was a natural leader, very kind and compassionate with her staff.  She taught by example, never asking anyone to do anything she wouldn’t do herself; she was a hard worker and a great mentor to many in the foodservice industry. 

When talking with her family and friends, they all described her as loyal to a fault, kind, giving, strong and hardworking, personable and good natured; an all-around good person.  Sami enjoyed auto racing and Indiana University Basketball and could really get excited.  She loved the beach, dragonflies, feeding the birds, and enjoyed teaching family and friends how to bake.

Survivors include her loving parents, Linda (Paul) Kojetin and Hollis (Debbie) Smith; siblings, Jason (Jennifer) Smith, Samantha (David) Mattingly, Gail (David) Peel, Allen (Kara) Witsman and George Witsman; one nephew and six nieces; and beloved dog, Dahlia.  She was preceded in death by her companion, Curtis William Brackin. 

Family and friends will gather on Saturday, August 20, 2022 from 10 a.m. until the time of service at 1 p.m. in Southport Heights Christian Church, 7154 McFarland, Southport.  A service celebrating her life will begin at 1 p.m. with celebrants, Hollis Smith, Chaplain Dennis Martin and Pastor Steve Ferguson. 

In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution in Sami’s honor to the M.D. Anderson Inflammatory Breast Cancer Research Foundation, P.O. Box 2805, West Lafayette, IN 47996.

Online condolences:  www.LauckFuneralHome.com

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