Aleyamma Samuel

Aleyamma Samuel, known affectionately as Kunjamma (81), passed away peacefully surrounded by her children at home in Garland, Texas on Saturday, July 18, 2020.

Aleyamma Mannil Varghese was born on February 9, 1939 in a Christian family in Uthimood, Ranni, Kerala, India to Mariyam and Koshy Varghese. She was the only sister to five brothers. Their family was the fifth branch of the Maaramon Kavumkotteth family. In 1944, the family relocated to Athirumkal, Kerala and was part of the Marthoma Church. The family came to the Pentecostal faith in 1953 and donated their land to construct a building for the local Church of God fellowship. It was during this time as a teenager, through the conviction of the Holy Spirit, she committed her life to Jesus Christ and was baptized.

Aleyamma’s childhood was spent in Athirumkal. She completed high school in 1957 at Government High School Kalanjoor. Soon after, she went to Andhra to pursue further studies in nursing and was employed at Varthak Hospital as a nurse.

On April 9, 1964 she married Varghese Samuel, son of Late Varghese C. Varghese and Sosamma Varghese of Chakkutharaplamthottathil, Athirumkal, Kerala. After their wedding, they moved to Ahmedabad (Gujarat) to start their family life and work as a nurse at Maninagar Hospital.

In 1972, she joined and supported her husband in their full-time ministry. They started their pastoral ministry at Church of God Thiruvarpu, Kottayam, Kerala. During their tenure in the ministry, they ministered in various Church of God and India Pentecostal Church congregations in Kerala, Calcutta, Bihar, Gujarat, and Mumbai.

In addition to being active in the ministry, she financially supported her family through her career as a nurse. She was passionate about her service as a nurse, she had the honor of being part of several first-time medical procedures and surgeries that took place in her place of work. Recognizing her contribution to medicine over the years, in 1991 the Maharashtra State Government honored her with an Honorary Doctorate in Homeopathy Medicine.

In 1993, she migrated to the United States with her husband and lived in Detroit, Michigan with her brother, Late M.V. Samuel in the early days. During this time, along with their vocational jobs, they assisted in the Pastoral ministry with Pastor M.V. George (Athirumkal George Sir) at India Pentecostal Assembly. In 2009, they moved to Dallas, Texas and attended Crossview Church of God. In recent years, she was worshiping with her children at Metro Church of God.

On Saturday, July 18, 2020 at 7:52 PM, it pleased the Lord to call Aleyamma Samuel to her eternal home. She was preceded in death by her husband, Pastor C.V. Samuel; her father, Koshy Varghese; her mother, Mariamma Varghese; her brothers, Pastor M.V. Koshy, M.V. Abraham, Pastor M.V. George, Pastor M.V. John, and M.V. Samuel.

She was survived by her children, Shaji Samuel and Sherly Shaji, Jessy Abraham and Abraham P. Abraham, Pastor Shibu Samuel and Susan Shibu; her grandchildren, Noel and Jailene, Joel, Elizabeth, Jesslin, Jesstin, Godwin, Allan, and Angela; her great-granddaughter, Xyla.

Our mother, Aleyamma Samuel, was a remarkable woman and has impacted our lives in many ways. We will miss her with all our hearts and will cherish the Christian values she modeled for us. We as children were blessed to be firsthand witnesses to miraculous healings at different points in her life. Through many obstacles, sickness, and pain, she held on to steadfast faith in her Savior. She excelled in many roles, supporting her husband’s ministry, raising the children, and financially supporting the family as a nurse. She was always there when we needed her and was the most loving and caring wife, daughter-in-law, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was selfless and always put others ahead of her. As a family, we rejoice in her life because of her love and dedication to the work of the Lord. We will miss her, but her legacy will be carried on and her memory will remain in our hearts and minds. Although we are saddened by her departure, we find comfort that we will meet her in eternity.