Nancy Hall Snead

Nancy Hall Snead, 75, of Morganton, NC passed away Thursday, June 21, 2018. Born January 5, 1943 in Welch, West Virginia, she was a daughter of the late James Maxwell Snead and Jessie Juanita Bowman Snead.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Sally Ann Snead.

Nancy valued education, receiving her Bachelor’s Degree from Mars Hill College and her Master’s Degree in Special Education from Appalachian State University.  During her professional career, she served as a tireless advocate for those who could not advocate for themselves.  Nancy was a member of St. Mary’s and St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church and was a faithful member of the church choir. She loved spending time with her family and her many friends. Nancy had an adventurous spirit. She enjoyed the outdoors, camping, whitewater rafting, and most recently adventured to get a camper for an upcoming trip. She was a very generous soul, giving to causes that supported those who were less fortunate and her unconditional love extended to both people and animals. She loved giving back with her time and talents, volunteering for many organizations including most recently, at Burke County Friends for Animals and at the Hospice Thrift Shop in Valdese. She was an avid shopper and could spend hours shopping for great deals and mostly for very thoughtful gifts for other people. She was very creative and had a knack for turning one person’s unwanted items into treasure for another. She has always enjoyed fashion and was a talented seamstress in previous years, making clothes for herself and her family. She loved music and was delighted by the sound of her children’s voices. Those who knew her well, knew how much she enjoyed snacking, especially on popcorn!

Nancy is survived by her partner and best friend, Judy Smart; and children, Suzanne Ritter and husband, James, Osann Heisner and husband, Bob, and Jon Thomas and wife, May. She is also survived by grandchildren, Danielle Moore-Thomas, Jimmy Ritter, Jessie Cole, Skye Ritter, Jordan Goodrum, Tyler Ritter, Jade Ritter, Olivia Heisner, Rebecca Heisner, Kali Ritter, and Nancy Marie Thomas; seven great-grandchildren; her sisters “in love”, Judy Kates, Mickie Thomas, and Sara Bryant; her niece, Missy Robinson, her nephew Michael Thomas, along with two great nieces, a great nephew, and their children; and her beloved dog, Moxie.

The family will receive friends from 2 to 3 p.m. on Thursday, June 28, 2018 at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 140 St. Mary’s Church Road, Morganton, NC 28655.  The celebration of life will follow at 3 p.m. in the church with Rev. Jim Dahlin officiating. A reception will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Burke County Friends for Animals, P.O. Box 1884, Morganton, NC  28680.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.