In memoriam: Samantha J. Oglesby
Samantha J. Oglesby, fourth-year McGovern Medical School student, died Feb. 17 after a courageous battle with cancer. She was 43.
“Sam Oglesby was a dedicated fourth-year student whose fierce determination inspired everyone who had the privilege of knowing her,” said Sheela Lahoti, MD, vice dean for Admissions and Student Affairs. “She brought with her a warm radiant smile that uplifted her community and left a lasting impact.”
Oglesby was a proud graduate of Redwater High School and earned a marketing degree from Southern Arkansas University. She went on to receive her law degree from the University of Oklahoma and was on track to earn her medical degree from McGovern Medical School in 2026.
Throughout her accomplished career, Oglesby served as an assistant district attorney for Bowie County and as an assistant attorney general for the state of Texas. She was a dedicated member of the Texas Bar Association. She said that the skills she developed as a prosecutor gave her the tools that originally drew her to her specialty interest, dermatology: building trust quickly, staying composed under pressure, and approaching each case with compassion and clarity.
In her free time, Oglesby enjoyed fishing with her dad, painting, listening to music, traveling, watching movies, and reading. She was an avid reader who cherished time spent with family, friends, and beloved dogs.
“I had the honor interviewing Sam when she first applied to medical school. After a decade as a successful district attorney prosecuting child maltreatment cases, I was immediately struck not only by her extraordinary achievements, but by her humility, purpose, and unwavering commitment to becoming a compassionate and thoughtful physician,” said Michelle Ruda, MD, associate professor in the Department of Pediatrics. “I was fortunate to serve as her faculty mentor throughout medical school and to work closely with her near the end of her training, teaching pediatric residents courtroom readiness, skills she knew would empower future physicians to advocate for our most vulnerable children. She brought strength, grace, and purpose to everything she touched and will be dearly missed.”
Oglesby was preceded in death by her grandfather, Bob Barnes; her grandmothers, Katherin Chavis and Kate Sloan; and her uncle, Gary Stone. She is survived by her father Jimmy Oglesby, MD, and his wife Neely; her mother Glenda Barnes; her brother Mitchell Mears and his wife, Treasure; her sister Kaitlyn James and her husband Auston; and her Brianna Barnes ; her grandparents June Barnes and Bruce and Billie Oglesby; her aunts and uncles Meleony Stone, B.B. Barnes and his wife, Darlene, and Brenda Tinkes and her husband, Bradley; and her beloved canines, Indy, Hans, Anabelle, Melinda, Mae, Judge, and Bluebelle; as well as three nephews, one niece, numerous cousins, and many dear friends.