Shirley Bradley Snyder
May 31, 1936 ~ January 11, 2017
Resided in:
Asheville, NC
Asheville Butterfly Trail
Shirley Bradley Snyder, 80, of Asheville, died Wednesday, January 11, 2017, at Aston Park Health Care Center.
A native of Buncombe Co., she was a daughter of the late Furman and Robbie Moss Bradley. She was also preceded in death by her brother, Ronald Bradley and sister Ann Knupp.
Surviving are her daughters, Debbie Sexton (John) and Dawn Funderburk (Will); son, Dennis Snyder (Lynn), grandchildren, Macon, Kelly, and Peyton Funderburk, and Mike Sexton; great-grandchildren, River and Reece Sexton; and brother Gary Bradley.
She was married to Ben Snyder for 54 years. He was the love of her life. They loved to go camping with friends and family in Burnsville, Pigeon Forge, and the beach. They attended Atlanta Braves games and they were faithful boosters for almost 40 years for the UNC-A Basketball Program. They loved road trips and cruising with their friends for many years. She was the loud and proud team mom when the UNC-A Women's Basketball Team won the NAIA National Championship in 1984.
Shirley owned and operated Little University Pre-School for over 30 years, out of which grew many life-long friendships.
A Celebration of Life Service for Mrs. Snyder will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday at Newbridge Baptist Church, where she and Ben attended. The Rev. Clark Henderson will officiate.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Sunday at Groce Funeral Home on Tunnel Road.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, 4600 Marriott Drive, Suite 120, Raleigh, NC 27612.
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Sister in law, Ruby Lynch sends her love and sympathy to all the family. We will be praying for you during the Celebration of Life service for Shirley on Monday.
So sad to hear this. We visited her in 2014 and had a good visit with her. To Debbie, Dennis and Dawn our prayers are with you at this difficult time.
The Wood family was shocked to hear of Shirley’s passing. Didn’t know of her being ill or anything. We are out of touch with folks since we live in Henderson County. Shirley and Ben did mean a lot to us. She and Robbie were there for me when Gary spent a year in Vietnam and Debbie and Robbie would babysit Kevin so I could go to work and Gary could go to school. We will be praying for you all in the coming days but we will all be together one day and all this ole sickness and death will be over. Love to you all.
All our Love to Debbie, Dennis, and Dawn and the rest of the family who has lost such a great lady. She is not only with her Heavenly Father, but also with her best friend and love, Ben Jr.. Shirley was full of life and energy and I feel certain that they are once again together, perhaps at a ballgame having a wonderful time, as they did so often. Our hearts are heavy with this loss, but glad in knowing that her spirit is free to watch over us until we are all together again. Our prayers are with you during this very difficult time.
So sad to hear of Shirley’s passing….the family is in my prayers. With deepest sympathy, Peggy Franklin
Your mother was a good neighbor who cared about the people around her. She did many good things for the UNCA Bulldog Association, for the UNCA Security staff, and the people with whom she came in contact.
She made a big difference in the lives of so many children who attended the Little University Day Care Center. She made sure they got off to a good start when they entered school as first graders.
I am glad I got to know her and I miss her presence on our Street.
Oh how sad I am for all of you. I’m so Thankful for having known all of you for so many years, dating back to elementary school at ACA. Both of my boys went to Little University , which I was always thankful for.
Ms Shirley was an awesome lady that touched so many lives. I pray that God will give you peace and comfort during this time.
Love always, Sabrina Edwards McHone
This lady made me feel like I was her best friend when my son played basketball for Asheville.
She was the same to everyone.
A beautiful person.
Heaven’s choir is singing.
Dawn and family, I am sorry to hear about your mom. I recently lost my mom on Thanksgiving Day and I know the loss that you are feeling. I was honored to have her in my life. She had a way of lighting up my day and giving me confidence to face anything that came my way but never ever without her ending her advice with ‘If there is anything I can do to help, please let me know. Thank you and your mom for being such a special place in our lives. You and the whole family have left such an enduring mark in our lives. I pray that God holds you during this difficult time but I know that she is celebrating her life.
I am so sorry to hear of Shirley’s passing. She was an amazing woman, who I got to meet through UNCA Basketball. She was a dedicated and loyal supporter, who never met a stranger. I will never forget how she made everyone around her feel special. She will be greatly missed. My prayers go out to Dawn and the rest of the family.