Samuel Hersom

Samuel Christian Hersom passed away due to complications of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy on March 29, 2026. Sam was born in Stillwater, OK on July 31, 2001, to parents Matthew and Kristine (Borton) Hersom. Sam was the younger brother of Cole Hersom and older brother of Kaitlyn Hersom.

Sam grew up in Newberry, FL and was a 2020 graduate of Newberry High School. Sam lived the last six years of his life in Pendleton, SC. Sam’s passions included all Superheroes, Star Wars, Harry Potter, Legos, cooking shows, and traveling. He enjoyed attending Broadway musicals and Clemson basketball games. Sam was an inspiration to many people through his courage, silent strength, and joy for life. He loved music of all genres and somehow knew the words to almost every song. Sam was the inspiration for the “Sam Strong 5K” in Newberry, FL where the proceeds supported Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy’s efforts to improve treatments and research for a cure for DMD.

Sam knew from a very young age that Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy would shorten his life. So, it is fitting that on Palm Sunday he got to DANCE for JOY with JESUS in heaven. Sam’s Bible verse has always been, “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will SOAR on wings like eagles; they will RUN and not grow weary, they will WALK and not be faint” (Isiah 40:29-31).

Sam is survived by his parents Matthew and Kristine, brother Cole, and sister Kaitlyn; grandparents Harlan and Yvonne (Holle) Borton. Sam was proceeded in death by his grandparents Gary and Kathy (Hastings) Hersom.

We are planning to start a Sam Strong Scholarship Fund to honor high school seniors who exemplify the strength in character that Sam showed every day. Donations to this fund can be sent to our Venmo account: @KrisHersom, please put Sam Strong Scholarship in the memo line.

The family will host two services to celebrate Sam’s life:

Sunday, April 12, 2026, at 3:00 pm at Clemson United Methodist Church in Clemson, SC

Saturday, May 16, 2026, at 11:00 am at Destiny Community Church in Newberry, FL

Condolences may be left for the family by visiting WWW.MCDOUGALDFUNERALHOME.COM