Samantha Jean Barnes-Luckett

With profound love and sorrow, we announce that Samantha Barnes-Luckett, of Toledo, Ohio, went home to be with the Lord on May 31, 2026. She was 58 years old.

Samantha was born on August 12, 1967, to Rose Letha Barnes and Willie Ed Barnes. Accepting Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at a young age, she grew into a woman of devout Christian faith, quiet strength, sharp intellect, and a giving heart that loved deeply,none more so than for the man who would become her husband, Brian Cort Luckett. Both she and Brian were dedicated and cherished members of Wake Up and Worship Ministries of Toledo, Ohio.

Their love story was not one of haste but of patience, friendship, and divine timing. Though they were married on October 28, 2000, in Toledo, Ohio, their hearts had recognized each other more than a decade before they ever stood at the altar. Brian was her anchor. When he tragically passed on November 1, 2022, a light in Samantha’s world dimmed. She carried his absence with a grace that belied her grief, holding tightly to the promise that their love would one day be reunited in the presence of the Lord.

Samantha pursued a degree in finance from The University of Toledo and Davis College, leading to a career of over 25 years in the financial services industry. She was meticulous, hardworking, and known for her integrity.

She leaves behind her greatest treasures: her two sons, Brian Christopher Luckett (38) and Sean Matthew Luckett (27), who are the living legacy of her love with Brian. She is also survived by her loving parents, Rose Letha Barnes and Willie Ed Barnes; her dear sister and best friend, Sherry Jeana Barnes; her beloved niece, Brianna Nicole Huckaby; her mother-in-law Barbara Luckett; and her adored Goddaughter, Princess Harris.

Samantha was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Brian Cort Luckett; her grandmothers, Vandean Walker and Ida Lue Barnes; her grandfathers, Silas Walker Sr. and Eddie Barnes; and her stepfather, Michael Brazier.

She held special, cherished memories with her best friends and spiritual sisters, “The Butterflies”: Desiree Arscott, Denine Barnes (cousin), Ingrid Arnold, Colleen Jones, and Mahalia Davis. She also treasured her close friends Teala Brown Fonseca, Maxine “Nicki” Smart, Trina Robinson, and Pastor Jay and Shani Mixon. Her love extended to a host of aunts, cousins, and many whose lives she quietly touched. Her family meant the world to her, which is why she poured so much love into each of them.

Though her heart and body ached here on earth, we find peace knowing that Samantha has now gone home to the Lord, and is reunited with her dear husband, Brian.

A service celebrating her life will be held on Saturday, June 13, 2026 at Pilgrim Church, 1375 W Sylvania Ave, Toledo OH. Viewing will be at 10AM with service beginning promptly at 11 AM. Interment will be at 12:30PM at Historical Woodlawn Cemetery. Repass to immediately follow.

“Until we meet again in paradise. It’s never goodbye…..I’ll see you later.”

—Samantha Barnes-Luckett

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” — 2 Timothy 4:7