SEVIER COUNTY, Tenn. — Stages West in Pigeon Forge is selling a custom Chaco sandal to honor the Sevier County woman killed in a 2020 storm, Brooke Sampson.
The outdoor sandals were Sampson's signature footwear, and First Baptist Church of Sevierville's former youth pastor, Scott Carter, said, "If the Lord will let her, she's wearing them in heaven."
Sampson's sister, Jessica Brown, estimates she had about 50 pairs for all occasions.
"Brooke wore her Chacos every single day. She wore them at her wedding, she wore them to church, it doesn't matter the weather," Brown nodded. "She wore them every single day."
That's why Sampson's sister, friend and the crew at Stages West got together to design a special pair to pay homage to the "beautiful soul" gone too soon.
"It allows her legacy to live on and to honor the things that she loved, and once people see those and wear those, they have that emotional feeling that comes into their heart, that warmth that Brooke had and exuded and hopefully it helps put them to do great things just like Brooke did," Stephen Houser, the president and owner at Stages West said.
On the back strap of the teal and black sandals, the phrase "Hey Friend!" is written in white thread.
"I can't count the number of times that Brooke came into a room and said 'hey friend,' or when she's fixing to leave, 'see you later friend,' she was a friend to so many and she is dearly missed," Carter said.
All the proceeds from the sale of the special sandals will benefit Isaiah 117 House in Sevier County, a nonprofit dedicated to helping and housing foster children.
You can place a pre-order for the sandals by clicking here.
While only women's sizes are available now, they're hoping to expand to men's sizes soon.
If you would like to donate, but don't want the shoes, Houser said any donation to Isaiah 117 would work just fine.
Sampson was a 36-year-old fourth grade teacher in Sevier County who loved people, especially children. She is remembered for her faith and willingness to help.
She was heavily involved with the youth group at First Baptist Church in Sevierville.
Sampson died in February 2020 after a tree fell onto a city van in Wears Valley in Townsend as it was traveling back to Sevierville.
Brooke Sampson was the wife of City employee Michael Sampson. He was also in the van and injured along with three others.
They were returning from a Public Works Association meeting in Townsend.
