TO THE CHAPTER INVISIBLE
Dr. Sam F. Abram 1938-2024 Educator
O ur beloved father, Dr. Sam Frank Abram (Delta Iota 1958), went to be with the Lord after a brief illness on March 24th, 2024, at the age of 85. Sam was born on June 17, 1938, in Money, Mississippi to Lillie Johnson and Lonnie Abram. He was four years old when he moved with his family from Mississippi to Muncie, IN. Brother Abram accepted Christ at a young age and carried it joyfully throughout the years. Later in life, Sam became a devoted member of Shaffer Chapel A.M.E. and Newman A.M.E., where he sang in the choirs and was a member of the usher boards. He later became a member of the Union Missionary Baptist Church where he was a Deacon and served the church in several other capacities. In 1957 Brother Abram married Millie O’Neal, whom he often stated was the love of his life, his big- gest supporter, and without her he would not have become the man we know.
“... THE FIRST AFRICAN AMERICAN SUPERINTENDENT TO SERVE THE MUNCIE COMMUNITY SCHOOL SYSTEM ...”
Presidential Scholars program, appointed by President Clinton to the National Health Committee, named a National Defense Education Act Fellow twice, member of NAACR Para- mount Club, and the Rotary Club of Muncie. Brother Abram is survived by daughters: Sherri Abram, and Judi Abram-Odigboh (Chike);
Three children were born to their union, Sherri, Judith (Judi), and Michael. He attended Blaine Elementary, Wilson Junior High School, and he graduated from Muncie Central High School and went on to attend Ball State University, were he received a B.S. in 1960, M.A. in 1966, and an Ed.D. in 1974. After college, he began a career in education where he served as Director of the Commu- nity Alliance to Promote Education (CAPE), Super- intendent, Administrative Assistant to the superin- tendent, elementary school principal, and teacher. As an active member of Kappa Alpha Psi®, Brother Abram participated in many
community service projects, mentoring programs, and opportunities to provide scholarships for future college students. He was also an active member of Phi Delta Kappa where he served as a past president of the Ball State University Chapter. Abrams humbly
son; Michael Abram; grandsons; Sam Odig-
boh(Azucena) and Michael Odigboh; granddaughters; Kaylee Baker and Jacquelyn Beasy. Sister; Mrs. Lillie Johnson; brother; Mr. Sammie Williams (Nancy), and a host of nieces, neph- ews, cousins, and extended family. Special friends. God Children; Dana Connell, Theresa Majors-Burns (Curtis), Vera Berger (Jeff), Rhonda Boling (Daniel), Kim Foster-Graves, Dr. Brian Coleman (Gloria) Attorney Greg Coleman (Paula), Geneece Pritchard (James), Eric and Shondra Ford. ♦
spoke of having been blessed to participate
and receive a plethora of opportunities, honors, and awards. Some of those bless- ings included, becoming the first African American superintendent to serve the Muncie Community School system, being awarded with the prestigious Sagamore of the Wabash. Appointed By Presidents Carter and Regan to work with the
84 THE JOURNAL ♦ WINTER 2025-2026
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