Katherine Snipes

1943 - 2025

Katherine Snipes

May 12, 1943 - November 3, 2025

Katherine Russell Snipes, 82, of Hickory, passed away November 3rd, 2025, at TerraBella Newton Assisted Living.

Born May 12, 1943, in Cumberland County, she was the daughter of the late Hesba Sessoms and Robert Russell.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by husbands, Carney Lee Fann, Larry E. Barringer, and Charles M. Snipes; and siblings, Lorraine Hatley, Pat Sessoms, Sylvia Hall, Bill Russell, and Tommy Russell.

A cosmetologist for over 50 years, Katherine first managed the Arcade Beauty Salon located in Trade Alley, also known as the Arcade Tunnel, in downtown Hickory. Loving the downtown Hickory area, she later opened Catherine's Coiffures, just around the corner. Several years later, she purchased The Marie Beauty Shoppe, also located in the downtown area. Katherine was also co-owner of Barringer and Boyd, along with her longtime friend Nancy Boyd. Katherine was active in her church and truly enjoyed her Sunday School class. She loved socializing, music and dancing, and shagging at the beach. She loved boating, motorcycling and snow skiing and often traveled. Spain and Portugal being two of her favorite trips. Her favorite place to be was Cherry Grove (North Myrtle beach), where she owned a home for over 50 yrs. Katherine was also member of the Hickory Service League and managed their thrift store for several years. Katherine was a strong self made woman with a tender side. She was very family oriented and was known by her grandchildren and great grandchildren as nanny. She loved each one of them immensely and enjoyed every minute she could spend with them. She will truly be missed by everyone who knew and loved her.

Survivors include her children, Sabrina McClamrock (Kim), of Hickory, and James R. Fann, of Lenoir; grandchildren, Matthew Soots Jr., of Hickory, Adam McClamrock (Charlene), of Hickory, Nikki McClamrock, of Hickory Kaitlin Fann, of New York, and James Lee Fann, of Greensboro; great-grandchildren, Katherine McClamrock, Levi McClamrock, Dekada McClamrock, and Callia Loritts; best friend and business partner, Nancy Boyd; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, November 7th, 2025 at 10:30 a.m., with Pastor Beth Osbahr officiating. A private family inurnment service will be held prior to the service. Family and friends are invited to stay after the service for refreshments in the parlor and the sharing of memories of Katherine in the Narthex.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Katherine's honor to the Alzheimer's Association or to St. Lukes United Methodist Church.

Bass-Smith Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family of Katherine Russell Snipes.