Lae Ruth Alway of Pembroke, North Carolina was born on July 23, 1940 to Claude Avance Sampson and Mary (Locklear) Sampson and raised on the family farm in the Deep Branch Community. She departed this life on August 26, 2025 with family at her side. She graduated from Pembroke High School and went on to earn her undergraduate degree in business from Pembroke State (now UNCP), followed by a master’s degree in business from UNCG, and master’s degree in education from UNCP. A proud educator, she inspired countless students throughout her career.

She later met her husband, Harry L. Alway, and they married in 1964. They welcomed their son, Michael Duane, in 1965. Less than two years later, Lae Ruth endured the loss of Harry, who was killed while serving in Vietnam. With resilience and strength, she then began a long and impactful teaching career—at Pembroke Senior High School, Bladen Tech, and Purnell Swett High School. She also spent several years working at Lumbee Tribal headquarters.

Her love of learning and teaching was matched by her love of travel, and she explored far and wide: including the Netherlands, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, and Alaska. Wherever she went, though, she always returned home to Pembroke.

Lae Ruth had a vibrant social life. She cherished Sunday church services and get-togethers with family and friends at her favorite local spots like Cracker Barrel, Pier 41, Kay’s, Fran’s, and Linda’s, as well as the Pancake House in Michigan. She was known for her home-cooked meals, her green thumb with her carefully-tended garden and lawn. She loved reading, baking, sharing pears from her tree, and attending performances at the Givens Performing Arts Center at UNCP. She especially treasured visits to Michigan to spend time with her beloved son, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren.

Her life was defined by quiet strength, deep faith, and unwavering love for her family and community. She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.

Lae Ruth is preceded in death by her husband, Harry L. Alway; father, Claude A. Sampson; mother, Mary Sampson; brother, Lynwood Sampson; sister, Linda DuBois; and brothers-in-law Don (Sara) Alway and Charlie Gorman.

She is survived by her son Michael (Jean) Alway; sister Levonda (Gary) Rowe; brothers Lee Edward Sampson and Claude A. (Rosa) Sampson Jr.; brothers-in-law, Leland DuBois and Russell (Patty) Alway; sisters-in-law, Arleen Cranston and Freda Gorman; grandchildren Emily, Rebecca, Luke, and Jessica Alway; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

An open visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 2, 2025 from 6:00 – 8:00 PM at Revels Funeral Home in Pembroke. A funeral service will take place on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Berea Baptist Church in Pembroke with burial to follow at Lumbee Memorial Gardens in Lumberton.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Veterans of Foreign Wars Foundation or the Givens Performing Arts Center at UNCP.  For those who wish to send flowers, arrangements may be delivered to Revels Funeral Home (407 Breece Street, Pembroke, NC).