With both sorrow and gratitude, we announce the passing of Geraldine Ramey “Sam” Batkins. She was 85 and lived a life marked by complexity, resilience, and deep love, even in the most difficult times. She departed this life on May 23, 2025.
Born in Mount Airy, North Carolina, Sam experienced challenges that profoundly shaped her. Her journey was not always easy, but she remained resilient and fiercely proud of her children, whom she loved but could not parent. Much of her early life remains a mystery as she rarely talked about herself and never talked about others.
Sam was a woman of contrasts—strong yet vulnerable, determined yet at times overwhelmed by life’s burdens, smart yet rarely making wise choices. She wrestled with hardships many could not see and, in doing so, taught those around her the power of endurance, the importance of empathy, and the quiet courage it takes to keep going.
She loved deeply but had difficulty receiving it. She gave generously when she could and never stopped hoping and searching for better days. Her laughter, when it came, was genuine and contagious. Though she sometimes struggled to find peace, she did what she could to ensure her loved ones, especially her children, would have the chance to find theirs.
As a young mother, she married Ron Edwards of Hampton, VA, a man who immensely changed her life. He loved all of her, shared his strong faith, adopted her children, and provided the family they needed. Unfortunately, in the end, Sam couldn’t accept this wonderful life and unexpectedly left them all one Christmas morning, never to return.
For the decades that followed, Sam continued to wander. She spent much of her life tending bar at Butler’s and Lil’s in Newport News, VA. She had great friends and seemingly felt most at home among the patrons, for they adored her but expected nothing in return. She was wildly charismatic and popular, an animal lover and sports enthusiast, especially when it came to her Washington Redskins, and a sun worshiper.
Her final months of hospice care gave Sam a great deal of time to reflect. She expressed deep appreciation for Ron Edwards for the foundation and family he provided for their children. She rededicated her life to Christ and enjoyed singing (albeit off-key) the worship songs she learned at First Friends Church and Wakefield Camp during her young adult years. While she longed for more time to reconnect with family, she found comfort in knowing she would see them all in the afterlife.
Sam is survived by her children Kari Weston (Bart) of Sutherland, VA, Kristi Clark (Ken) of St. Joseph, MI, Jim Edwards (Robin) of Newport News, VA, Ronda Moody (Bob) of Brook Park, OH, twelve grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, brother Stephen Ramey of Gloucester, VA, cousin Jewell Barnhouse, of Sutherland, VA, and longtime partner Terry Elvington, of Newport News, VA. She is now at rest, and the family takes comfort in believing that she found the peace that often eluded her in life.
A private service will be held for the family.
Rest gently, Mom. You were imperfect, as we all are—but you were ours, and you were loved.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Starks & Menchinger Chapel and Cremation Services. Those wishing to send a condolence online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.
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A private service will be held for the family.
Posted On: Tuesday, May 27, 2025 10:48 AM
