Rev. Dr. Ethel Bell Sampson

The Reverend Dr. Ethel Sampson has made a commitment through service for more than 70 years. She has lived in Duffyfield most of her life. She raised 10 children with her husband, Johnnie, eight biological and two fosters.

She joined the NAACP in 1957, and in 1962, met Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Sampson has volunteered with many New Bern groups, including the New Bern Housing Authority, Craven Community College scholarship program, Craven County Voters League, Democratic Party, Eastern North Carolina Civic Group, Weed and Seed, Resource Center in Vanceboro, Craven County Social Services and Hospice, Community Resource Council and Concerned Citizens, Nursing Home Advisory Board, and Greater Duffyfield Council.

She has been a member of the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance for over 30 years and was their first female President from 1991-93. Her awards include: A Daily Point of Light by the Point of Light Foundation, KFC Colonel’s Way Award, and the Order of Long Leaf Pine.

Rev. Sampson has also been honored with the Governor’s Medallion Award for Volunteer Service.

Ethel Sampson lives her life by her motto: “If I can help somebody as I pass this way, then my living shall not be in vain.”