Samuel Michael "Sammy" Clemons

Samuel Michael “Sammy” Clemons, 21, of Jefferson City, passed away Tuesday, January 10, 2023, in Columbia, Missouri.

He was born October 18, 2001, in Columbia to John Mark Clemons and Jennifer Leigh Riley.

Sammy was a 2020 graduate of Jefferson City High School and was currently a junior attending the University of Missouri in Columbia studying Biology and Genomic Research.  During the last four years he worked at Sonic Drive-In on Commerce Drive in Jefferson City.

Sammy enjoyed drawing, collecting DC comics, playing video games, watching comedy and scary movies. He enjoyed opportunities to volunteer with Wild Thing Feral Feline Fix program and was an advocate for the conservation and study of bats and bees. Sammy had a unique ability to brighten anyone’s day with his beautiful smile. He had a gentle, kind, compassionate nature, and was extremely intelligent and witty. He touched many hearts, and will forever be remembered, loved, and missed.  Sammy was empathetic and respectful of everyone’s right to their own individuality and encouraged others to become their most authentic selves. 

Survivors include his mother, Jennifer Riley, Jefferson City; three siblings, Zac (Alicia) Mendoza-Riley, Jefferson City; Channing (Justin) Smith, Kansas; Dakota Riley, Maine; maternal grandfather, William (Sylvia) Riley, Greenwood, IN; maternal step-grandfather, Stan Paczkowski, Jefferson City; aunts and uncles, Michael (Naomi) Riley, Liberty, MO; Robin (Jamey) Johnson, Columbia, MO; Michael (Julie) Clemons, Marshall, MO; Kim (Don) Mapes, Champagne, IL; Kristopher (Santina) Riley, Bartlett, IL; Andrew Riley, Greenwood, IN; cousins, William (Kelsey), Nathan, Jack, Claire, Harrison, Christian, Mark (Kylie), Nolan, Trey (Brittney), Connor, McKenna; a niece, Sawyer; and a nephew, Hayes; his most treasured friends, Brooklynn Downing and Sierra Willman; and all of his beloved cats. 

He was preceded in death by his father, John Mark Clemons; his brother, Randy Riley-Chugg; paternal grandmother, Nelda Clemons; and his maternal grandmother, Carolyn Paczkowski.

Visitation will be 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, January 21, 2023, at Trimble Funeral Homes – Jefferson City.  A funeral service will follow at 12 p.m. with Pastor Steve Blacksher officiating.

Burial will be in Riverview Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to the Wild Thing Feral Feline Fix group.

Services entrusted to Trimble Funeral Homes – Jefferson City, Missouri.  trimblefunerals.com