Shirley Snyder

She was preceded in death by her husband, John D. Snyder, her brother, William Gottschalk, and sister, Roberta LaValley.

She graduated from Lansingburg High School in Troy and the Albany Business College, where she studied to be a court stenographer. As a youth, Shirley was active in the Campfire Girls, where her mother was the director. She became the equivalent of an Eagle Scout and served as a lifeguard at the camp every summer. She met the love of her life, John Snyder, when she snuck into a Halloween dance at the YMCA after teaching a lifeguarding class.

Shirley and John were married in 1950, and John embarked on a lengthy career as a manufacturing engineer with General Electric beginning in Schenectady, NY. It was there where they started their family—children Carolyn, Robert, Dana, and Larry. They later moved to Glens Falls, NY, where they built their first home. In 1968, GE transferred them to Owensboro, KY. They were highly active in the community, and Shirley began working in real estate. John’s career move to Magnavox brought them to Greeneville, TN in 1976, where Shirley continued her career as a real estate broker with McInturff, Milligan, and Brooks. They planned to build again with a particular house design in mind, but fell in love with a house under construction in Harrison Heights because it had such beautiful views of the countryside. She was blessed to enjoy that magnificent view for 46 years.

Always active in the Presbyterian Church, the family joined First Presbyterian, where Shirley and John became Youth Directors. They both served as ruling Elders and on the Session and Building Committees. Shirley also was active in Presbyterian Women and women’s circles. Soon after moving to Greeneville, Shirley joined the American Cancer Society, where she became president of the local chapter and served on the first community Relay for Life. She was an active member of several garden clubs, competing for blue ribbons and best of shows. She also enjoyed playing bridge. When their children were active in sports and music, Shirley loved attending games and concerts.

In Greeneville, Shirley continued working as a real estate broker for thirty years. She was a graduate of the Realtor Institute and a member of the National Board of Realtors, the National Hiking Club, a Harris Fellow Rotarian, a Kentucky Colonel, and past President of the Andrew Johnson Women’s Club. Other interests included boating and water skiing at Lake George, NY, where the family spent countless summers. Shirley and John also loved to travel, and especially enjoyed trips throughout Europe, Australia, and New Zealand as well as visiting all of the national parks and presidents’ homes.

Shirley loved her children and grandchildren, helping each one of them with their college educations.

She is survived by her daughter, Carolyn Joy Root and husband, Bryan; and three sons, Robert Stephen Snyder and wife, Laurie; Dana David Snyder and wife, Penny; Laurens John Snyder and wife, Peggy; and grandchildren, Alexandra Garcia and husband, Leo; James Snyder and wife, Kelley; David Snyder and wife, Sarah; Stephen Snyder; John Snyder and wife, Sarah; Daniel Snyder; Audrey Chakonis and husband, Zachary; Nathan Snyder; and great-grandchildren, Liam and Livia Snyder, Sebastian and Rafael Garcia, and Vivienne Chakonis. Shirley is also survived by her brother-in-law, Joseph LaValley, Jr.; nieces Mina Jo Brandes; Sally Nolan and husband, Daniel; Rosy Gottschalk; Bobbi Jo LaValley; nephew, Joey LaValley; and countless special friends.

Immense appreciation is extended to Carolyn Root for her love, care, and dedication to her mother that allowed Shirley to live independently in her home.

There will be a Celebration of Life service at First Presbyterian Church, 110 North Main Street, Greeneville, TN, on April 22, 2023, at 7:00 p.m.

Burial in a family cemetery in Upstate New York will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to First Presbyterian Church.

Kiser-Rose Hill Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.kiserrosehillfuneralhome.com

Kiser-Rose Hill Funeral Home

125 Idletime Drive, Greeneville, TN, 37743

423-638-3121