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Stephen Douglas Sneed

1949 - 2018

Stephen Douglas Sneed obituary, 1949-2018, Pittsfield, MA

Stephen Sneed Obituary

Dr. Stephen Douglas Sneed, 69, died on Sunday, October 28, 2018, in Williamstown, Mass., after a three-year battle with pancreatic cancer. He passed peacefully in his sleep surrounded by his wife and children.

Born in Henderson, N.C., to James Fred and Ophelia Sneed on August 19, 1949, Stephen was the first of three children, preceding his sisters Sheilda and Rhonda. He was raised in Brooklyn, N.Y., where he graduated from New York Technical Community College before receiving his bachelor's and master's degree in business from Western Michigan University. He then earned his doctoral degree in psychology from the University of West Virginia. Additionally, he was a proud member of the illustrious Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.

Stephen's career led him to achieve great successes at Lawrence University in Appleton, Wis., Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Mo., the University of Missouri at Columbia, and Washington State University in Pullman, Wash. before arriving at Williams College where, after 25 years of service as the Associate Dean of the College, he retired in 2015. The most fulfilling part of his career was the relationships he developed with the students he mentored - relationships he maintained over the course of his lifetime. Among his many professional achievements, he was most humbled by becoming an Assistant Dean at the age of 23, receiving the Fulbright Scholarship to Malawi, Africa, and being named as Ebony Magazine's Bachelor of the Year - where he was profiled in one of the bestselling African-American publications.

His hobbies included playing racquetball, watching college sports, procuring African art, fishing, and detailing his car. He also loved year-round barbecuing, road trips to visit loved ones, and family reunions.

Stephen always said, "Put God first, family second, and education third." It was his way of showing his children how to prioritize life, bringing faith and religion to the forefront. He was a trailblazer, committed to acting as a resource for those who came after him - and a firm believer in second opportunities for those who had made mistakes. His passion for education extended beyond the U.S. borders with philanthropic efforts, including funding schools and building homes in Malawi, clean water efforts in the country and supporting charitable efforts between the Methodist church and centers of faith in Malawi.

Stephen is survived by his wife, Frances Jones-Sneed; his mother, Ophelia Sneed; nine children: Stephen James of Columbus, Ga.; Jamal Mangrum of Oakland, Cali.; Kamweli Wilson of Southern Pines, N.C.; Amina Wilson of Portland, Ore.; Kareem Sneed and his fiancee Amanda Beachum of Upper Marlboro, Md.; Kesha Sneed of Brooklyn, N.Y.; Stacy Sneed of Charlotte, N.C.; Stephanie Sneed of Washington, D.C.; and James Sneed of Astoria, N.Y.; twelve grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; sister Sheilda and husband George Garrison of Bloomfield, Conn.; sister Rhonda Jivers of Richmond, Va.; uncle Melvin and wife Anne Vass of Bronx, N.Y.; aunt Julia and husband Talmadge Lewis of Long Island, N.Y., and a host of loving family and friends.

His father, Fred Sneed, whom he revered, predeceased him.

Memorial Notice: The memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday Nov. 3, at the First Congregational Church of Williamstown, 906 Main St., Williamstown, Mass., 01267.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that donations be made in Stephen's name to:

The United Negro College Fund (UNCF) Attn: Denise Scott Direct Response Programs 1805 7th Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20001 (www.uncf.org/ways-to-donate) or

The Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund Dana-Farber Cancer Institute 450 Brookline Avenue Boston, Mass. 02215 (www.dana-farber.org/gift)

Cards may be sent to: P.O. Box 1, Williamstown, Mass., 01267

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Berkshire Eagle on Oct. 31, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
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Not sure what to say?





Peter Sanford Kahrmann

October 26, 2023

As beautiful a human being as ever walked the planet.

Susan Jalbert

May 7, 2023

I worked diligently @a free clothing/shoe ministry @the Dalton united Methodist church where I was blessed to have Stephen Sneed cross my path to come and get some free clothing, shoes and a few toys for the children in Africa. Rita Bennet and I enjoyed his stories. I had hoped to someday ask if I could go with him ina Journey there. He said shoes were like gold to the children for without shoes they weren´t allowed to go to school. He said he delivered the items personally for otherwise they may not make it there fore often postal workers would take the items. One of the only men whom I knew that truly cares about helping others without a personal or hidden agenda. Such a great loss to all those who were blessed enough to have known him in their lives.

Peter (Brooklyn) Kahrmann

October 25, 2022

Stephen was as loving a human being as ever walked the planet.

Peter Kahrmann (Brooklyn)

October 25, 2021

No more loving human being ever walked the planet. Anyone who did not love this man, wasn't paying attention.

Peter Kahrmann

October 25, 2020

If you did not love this man, you weren't paying attention. As beautiful and loving a soul as ever walked the planet.

Peter Kahrmann

October 25, 2019

I've never met anyone who possessed more purity in his compassion and love for people. His courage was breathtaking. He was my friend. I love him very much. Missing him hurts. I send all love and kindness to his wife and children. (He loved them beyond the reach of words.) There is less integrity and love without Stephen in the world. (And, we both lived in and loved Brooklyn, NY!)

Dr. Dallas and Lozie Barnes

February 14, 2019

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Sneed's family.. Stephen and I shared many good times together at Washington State University in Pullman, WA. And, so did our families as our kids attended school and played together there. Stephen and his wife Francis were excellent and dedicated educators. With us he will always be remembered.

Sincerely,

Dave Bissaillon

November 27, 2018

Mrs. Sneed and family. Just learned of Dr. Sneed's death. I'm so sorry for your loss. He was a gentle man.

Peter "Brooklyn" Kahrmann

November 15, 2018

If a single life could prove the existence of a loving God, it was Stephen's. My love and compassion to Frances and Family.

Michael Wilson

November 7, 2018

My heartfelt condolences to Stephen's family, I am so sad to hear about his passing. Stephen was part of my first experiences with Williams College and Williamstown culture, and I could not have been more impressed with a man and his outlook.

Carl Villanueva

October 31, 2018

Dear Frances and Family,
Please accept my sincere condolences concerning the loss of your husband. My heart and prayers go out to you.

My Deepest Sympathies,
Carl

Kamweli and Rosabella Wilson

October 31, 2018

Your light will live always in our hearts.

Cassandra Evans

October 31, 2018

Prayers of comfort from the Evans and Taylor families.

October 31, 2018

The Evans and Taylor families are sorry for your loss and lift the family in prayer for God to comfort you in this process.

Edwards

October 31, 2018

May the God of all comfort, strengthen the family and friends during this difficult time. Please accept my sincere condolences. 2Thessalonians 2:16,17

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3

Memorial service

10:30 a.m.

First Congregational Church

906 Main St., Williamstown, MA

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