Cheryl
Ann Snipes Smith was born at Quincy Hospital on July 17, 1949, to
John and Nina Snipes and died at home on December 27, 2013. A lifelong member of Centenary United Methodist
Church, she participated in the first summer session at Centenary Camp. In
1967, Cheryl was valedictorian of her class at Quincy High School. During
college, Cheryl studied abroad in Valencia, Spain, a foundational experience in
her life as a Spanish teacher and a passionate traveler.
After graduating from Florida State University, Cheryl began her
teaching career at James A. Shanks High School before joining the faculty of
Robert F. Munroe Day School in Mount Pleasant. There she taught English and
Spanish for nearly 30 years.
From 1971 to 1991, Cheryl was married and raised
two daughters. She worked hard to make the family farm a success and enjoyed
traveling throughout Florida and across the nation to support and
promote Gadsden County's tomato industry.
In the classroom, Cheryl instilled in hundreds
of students her most important lesson: learning is a lifelong pursuit which
comes from more than simply memorizing textbooks. For almost 25 years, she led eighth
graders around Washington, D.C., every spring, relishing the joy of new
discoveries with each trip. She helped dozens of students tour Europe during
the summer while earning dual enrollment credit at Tallahassee Community College and Florida State University.
Cheryl loved reading, traveling and laughing
with friends. A grateful member of the 12-step community in Quincy and
Tallahassee, she earned nearly 23 years of sobriety and worked hard to take
life one day at a time. Cheryl loved keeping up with her many friends and
former students through phone calls, Christmas cards, letters, emails, and even
Facebook.
Cheryl is survived by her daughters, Leigh Ann
Smith of Charlotte, North Carolina, and Lynsley Smith of New York, New York;
sister Debra Ferstler and brother-in-law Howard of Tallahassee; brother Bob
Snipes and sister-in-law Nanami Jingu of San Diego, California; and many other
friends and relatives. Her family is particularly grateful to angel neighbors
and caregivers Betty and Patsy, and Cookie and Matt. Memorials may be sent to
Robert F. Munroe Day School, Centenary United Methodist Church, or Big Bend
Hospice.
A celebration of Cheryl's life will take place at 2 p.m. on Sunday, December 29, at Centenary United Methodist Church in Quincy, with visitation following the service.
A celebration of Cheryl's life will take place at 2 p.m. on Sunday, December 29, at Centenary United Methodist Church in Quincy, with visitation following the service.
CSS hopes all of her students will keep striving
for "the A answer" in all they do and will remember to keep their
passports up to date, "just in case."
5 comments:
I have gotten to know your mom through your eyes by reading her CaringBridge. Thank you for allowing us a little glimpse into her life. She leaves a beautiful legacy in you and Leigh Ann. I have loved "visiting" Quincy with you. Your devotion and love for your mom is evident. The loyalty of her friends and respect of her students speak volumes. My heart goes out to both of you for your loss. Prayers for all of comfort during this time.
This is a beautiful memorial to a beautiful person, with two very beautiful daughters! XOXO!
What a lovely tribute to an exceptional human being. We are sending hugs, love, and prayers your way.
This is a wonderful memorial to your mom. I am so sorry for your loss and will be thinking about your family. Cheryl raised two wonderful daughters!
Well said words, I know we all love your mother. She influenced so many people, that's pretty awesome....
Post a Comment