Mary Smith Sneed departed this life January 26, 2011.

Mary was born to Blaine Smith and Lucy Ann Davis on February 3, 1915, at Sherill Cove on the Qualla Boundary in western North Carolina. She attended Cherokee Boarding School and Chilocco Indian School.

Mary served as Clerk of the Tribal Council of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and was a social worker for Swain County, North Carolina, Fort Hall, Idaho, and Warm Springs, Oregon, Agencies of the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Cherokee Boys Club in Cherokee. She also worked for many years as an Instructional Aide and Counselor at Intermountain Indian School in Brigham City, Utah.

In 1963, she attended a summer session in social work in Boston, Massachusetts. The insights and determination Mary exhibited to her professors caused them to create for and award her the grade of "Splendid," a distinction above the highest grade ordinarily awarded in the program. Mary also did course work at Mars Hill College and the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.

Mary was an accomplished poet and essayist. She is remembered for generously sharing tree saplings with her friends.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Woodrow Oscar, and is survived by her son, Woodrow Blaine Sneed, and daughters, Roseanna Sneed Belt and Sarah Margaret Sneed. She also leaves eight grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren.

Mary was a founding and life-long member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (the Mormon Church), US 441, Whittier, North Carolina.

Visitation will begin at 4 p.m. Friday, January 28, 2011, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, January 29, 2011, also at the Church.

Condolences at www.crispfuneralhome.org

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

Published by Asheville Citizen-Times on Jan. 28, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Mary Sneed

16 Entries

Gwen Thompson

January 22, 2021

Mary was a wonderful lady who always had a smile when i went to see her. it was a joy to go visit with her and her family.

Mara Nelson

January 31, 2011

Grandma, you meant so much to me and were a huge part of my life. I remember when you were teaching me to read and write when I was three years old. I remember when you and granddad would have tea with me when I was a little girl and I remember when you let me drive when I was only 10 years old. I will miss you so much but am glad that you are back with granddad, your brother and your mom, as well as many others that have been waiting for you... rest in peace, grandma. I love you!

Ann Sneed

January 31, 2011

Aunt Mary was my mother and inspiration, she cared about all of our family and everyone she was in contact with. Aunt Mary leaves a wonderful legacy, her story and life live on in her children, grand children and great grand children.

Pat Parker

January 31, 2011

Dear Woody, I am so sorry for your loss. I will never forget when you took me to meet your mother a few years ago. What an elegant lady.

Earl & Margie Douthit

January 31, 2011

Mary Sneed and I met as co-workers at Swain Dept. Social Services in late 50s where we continued for some years. Too, we were close neighbors on E. Main St.,
Bryson City for a time. An educated
attractive lady with a passion for her
people, she tutored me in "ways of the
Cherokee", and I accompanied her to
virtually every home on the Boundary, mostly on steep, foot trails. My 51
Chevy pickup was more adapted to totally unpaved roads than her sudan.
Big Cove road would literally wash away
in rain storms and remain unusable for days. Always courteous, interersting and eager to acquaint me with her people. In recent time she mailed to
me "The Education of Little Tree", which I will continue to treasure.
Margie, my wife, employed for appoximately 60 years on the Reservation, a lover of the Cherokees, and I send our love to Woody, Roseanne, Sarah, and their families. What a treaure you have in such a mother.

Whetten/Maria Gomez

January 30, 2011

We are thinking of you during this difficult time, Words seem inadequate to express the sadness we feel. Please accept my heartfelt sympathy on the passing of your Mother. We may not understand why she left before we were ready to say good-bye, but little by little, we begin to remember not just that she died, but that she lived. And that her life gave us memories too beautiful to forget. Our prayers are with you & your family.

Francine Watty

January 30, 2011

I will always remember Mary because she cared so much about the Cherokee People and had many stories to tell about her life and experiences. Bless the ones that cared so much for her during her care and last days.

JOYCE CURLEY-GRIEVE

January 30, 2011

WOODY, ROSEANNA, & SARAH, WE WERE BLESSED TO HAVE HAVE STRONG WISE WOMEN IN OUR LIVES. I'LL ALWAYS HAVE THE MEMORIES OF AUNT MARY'S TEA PARTIES, SHE MADE DAYS FUN. YOU ALL ARE IN OUT THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS.

Carlos Mena

January 29, 2011

Dear Woody, we extremely sorry and touched to hear about the loss of your mother and we know that there are no words of comfort that can heal that kind of loss but we are hopeful that time will heal. Please know that our thoughts and prayer are with you in this difficult time. – Blanca, Maria, Whetten, Carlos & Lupe.

January 29, 2011

To the family of this accomplished and unique lady---I send my best wishes to you all in this time of sorrow.

Woody, I know you won't remember me, but I worked with you from one of the field offices. I'm sorry to hear of your loss. Take care of yourself.
And know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family this day. Mary Schwab, Northern Idaho Agency

Lynne Sendejo-Santomartiino

January 29, 2011

Our prayers are with you, Woody & Mercedes. Your mother was so very accomplished and I'm sure you all are very proud of her. Bless you

Lynne & Vincent Santomartino

Jane Kneller

January 28, 2011

Dear Loving Family, Your Mother had many accomplishments, successes, and tributes, and surely knew of the wonderful family that loved her. This could only have made all of her precious moments here, well-lived. It is now a time to celebrate that legacy. Do not grieve in your mother's passing but be thankful that she was yours while her time here lasted.

nancy

January 28, 2011

We will truley miss Aunt Mary, the lady with the beautiful smile. Sarah you all will be in our prayers.

"Aunt Mary">>Christmas 2009-We will miss you so much

Cathy

January 28, 2011

Aunt Mary as we called her, was like our rock...We will miss her so much, She was always a joy to see when we would visit the Nursing home and at family functions...Sarah you & your family will be in our prayers..Here is a Picture I took of Aunt Mary at the Nursing home Christmas dinner in 2009...Cathy (Bingo Caller).

Cecilia Flores

January 28, 2011

Dear Sneed and Belt Family. I am so sorry for your loss and I extend my deepest sympathy on the death of your mother. What a service filled life she led while continuing to have time to share with others, exceed in her course work, write poetry, stay connected with her church and to raise accomplished and generous children!

Please know that you are in are hearts and prayers.

Sincerely
Cecilia Flores and Rolando Villars of Silver Spring, MD

January 28, 2011

sarah i was so sorry to hear about your mother, just read it in the paper this am. i very much enjoyed the time that i was able to come see her at home and got to visit with you both. gwen thompson

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