Katherine Boyd Sneed

1933 - 2021

Katherine Boyd Sneed

Nashville - Katherine Boyd Sneed

November 1, 1933 - February 2, 2021

Native Nashvillian Katherine Boyd Sneed having truly lived her life, departed gently and with good grace on February 2, 2021. She was born 87 years ago to Robert Hawkes Sneed and Ruby Fincannon Sneed.

Always the scholar, Miss Sneed graduated in 1951 as salutatorian of East Nashville High School. She graduated at the top of her class at David Lipscomb College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1955 and later received a Master of Education degree at Vanderbilt University's Peabody College in 1971.

Katherine was a life-long educator. She began her teaching career at Murphy School in Atlanta, Georgia, located in the East Lake area. She returned to Nashville in 1963 and began teaching English at East Nashville High School. When the school was closed temporarily in 1986, she transferred to Stratford High School where she continued teaching before retiring in 1991.

An avid reader, Katherine kept a voluminous home library which she readily shared with bibliophiles. She also enjoyed traveling with fellow teachers across the US and abroad to England and Ireland. The culture of all people and places, their history and fascinating stories enriched her life.

Preceded in death by her parents Robert H. Sneed and Ruby Fincannon Sneed; an infant sister, Emily Jane Sneed; sister, Alma Louise Sneed of Nashville; and brother, James R. Sneed (Takeko) of Oahu, Hawaii.

Survived by sister-in-law Takeko Sneed of Oahu, Hawaii; niece Midori Sneed Barstow (Ronald) and their son Del R. Barstow of Knoxville, TN; nephew David W. Sneed (Anna) and their daughters Samantha Sneed-Pendleton (Glenn) and their son Wyatt James Ray Pendleton; Jessica Sneed Wong (Daniel); and nephew Douglas F. Sneed (Debbie Tanabe) all of Oahu, Hawaii and Cousins Michael Pettross and Mitchell Pettross of Nashville.

Also surviving are her longtime former neighbors, Sandra and Linda Derseweh; longtime friends Aliene Fann, Wally Reid, William and Brenda Brown, Dr. Mary Martin; her present neighbors, Tracy, Erin, and Katharine Allison and their special cat Tuxie; Mary Carrigan, Jesse and Martha Jones, Mark and Bari Brown, Pam Compton, and all the members of Trinity Lane Church of Christ.

Katherine Sneed was a longtime member of Eastview Church of Christ. In later years she transferred her membership to Trinity Lane Church of Christ where she was involved with the Ladies Ministry and the Wednesday night Women's Bible Study Class. Among the members of the Trinity Lane congregation are former school colleagues and former students.

Throughout her life, Katherine was kind, generous and available to all. In turn, she was deeply appreciative of the support and encouragement she received during her illnesses.

The family gratefully acknowledges the years of her loving care by Mary Carrigan and expresses gratitude to Miranda Coons who cared for her since last summer.

Funeral arrangements are by Phillips-Robinson Funeral Home with graveside burial at Spring Hill Cemetery for immediate family in attendance. A celebration of Katherine's life to be held when it is safe to congregate.