Phyllis J. Snyder

Phyllis Jean Snyder, 97, of Daytona Beach, Florida, passed away in her sleep at her daughter's home in Samsula on Sunday, March 1, 2026. Born Phyllis Jean Tiffany on February 7, 1929, at home in Welch Hill, Pennsylvania, on Lake Idlewild, where her family had a dairy farm and rented vacation cottages. As a child, she attended the Community Church at Welch Hill, where her faith took root and established her lifelong practice of kneeling beside her bed every night to say The Lord's Prayer. She read her Bible daily and her favorite verse reminded her that "safely under His Wing do I abide."

At 17 she married Larry Snyder of Paradise Valley, 18, the boy who had caught her eye on the high school bus. Their marriage lasted 62 happy years until Larry's passing in 2006. Together they raised three children and moved to Florida in 1956, where they built their own home in 1958. Phyllis designed the house herself with thoughtful attention to the sun and seasons, creating a warm and welcoming space for family and friends. In 1976 they built a cabin on their family property in Clifford, Pennsylvania, overlooking Elk Mountain, and returned every summer and deer season, sometimes making $100 last their whole stay. Shortly thereafter, they established a Christmas tree farm on the property, trimming the trees herself by hand.

A talented musician, Phyllis played the organ and piano for her church for 38 years and at numerous nursing homes over the years. At the Good Samaritan nursing home, she often brought her small grandchildren along to sing with her. She even composed and published one song that she said just came to her… A Taste of Heaven. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother who set an easygoing, but powerful example of faith, kindness, and simple joys. The neighborhood was filled with family, and for many of us, our most prominent childhood memories are our days of playing at Grandma's. She was a simple and wholesome cook, an avid gardener, and a lover of nature who could identify every bird in her yard and name all the stars on clear nights. Until the age of 96, she rode her bicycle around the block each day, always stopping to chat with neighbors along the way. She was truly loved by everyone who knew her.

In her later years, Phyllis, 96, resided with her eldest daughter in Daytona Beach after forgetting she had put water on to boil. She often spoke of how much she enjoyed her time there, from the "most caring and helpful" company, the beautiful yard with its excellent views of the eastern sky, and two sweet Yorkies. Just over a week before her passing, she relocated to her youngest daughter's home in Samsula, where she continued to enjoy good views, warm company, outdoor picnics, and beloved pets.

In her final days she explained that God always "gave me a job." We thank God for giving her to us, and we thank Him for taking her from us in such a perfect and peaceful way. We look forward to seeing her again, but for now, she will be greatly missed.

She is survived by two daughters, Marsha Morin and her husband Rick Morin of Daytona Beach, and Priscilla Brundage and her husband Jaman Brundage of Samsula, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, Dallas Davis and Bonnie Davis of Mount Dora, Nicole Davis and Jesus Echevarria and Bryce of Mount Dora, Jessica Mae Davis and Daniel Hayes and Brody, Gage, Kinzley and Brayson of Washington, Iowa, Nina Mae Davis, Florida, Michael Clark of Mount Dora, Charlie Clark of Mount Dora; Tracy Davis and Millissa Davis, and Skylar Davis of Daytona Beach, Dallas Davis and Emily Gregory, and Rowan and one on the way of Edgewater; Tiffany Godbey and Ruel Godbey and Elijah Godbey and Lauren Godbey of Jermyn, Pennsylvania, Derek Jenson of Omaha, Nebraska, Malachi Jenson and Jasmine Jenson, and Faith Jenson and one on the way of Colorado Springs, Colorado; Susan O'Keefe of Daytona Beach, Kadi O'Keefe and Callum Young, and Marina, Sophia, and Liam of Daytona Beach, Dylan O'Keefe and Mariah Blair of Port Orange; Jason Snyder and Jennifer Ash, and Jason Snyder and Jasmine Snyder of Daytona Beach; Lacy Larrabee of Samsula, George Papadeas of Samsula, Mason Papadeas and Elizabeth Ward, and Timothy and Elias of Daytona Beach; Jeremiah Johnson and Lisa Johnson, and Hunter Johnson, Aubree, Sophia, Conner and Thomas of Jacksonville; Jay Brundage and Bobby Mukaisu of Leesburg.

Preceded by her devoted husband, Larry Snyder, son Mark Snyder and great grandson Christopher Davis.

A private family celebration will be held on Easter Sunday afternoon, April 5th, at her youngest daughter's farm.