Mary Leuvon (Davis) Snowden

Mary Leuvon Davis Snowden, a resident of Lake City for the past forty-five years, left this world for her heavenly home on Friday, January 26, 2018, surrounded by her loving family at the Haven Hospice Care Center in Lake City, where she had received care for the past 15 days. She was 79 years old. Her passing ended a long, hard-fought battle with colon cancer, heart disease and diabetes. 

Mary was born on August 18, 1938, in Pleasant Park, FL to parents, Olen Bunion Davis, Sr. and Myrtie Mae Palmer Davis.  She was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Albert Earl Snowden, along with her parents, her brothers, Mackey Davis and Lawrence Davis, her sister Geneva Davis Huling and her grandson Christopher Michael Snowden.  Her beloved little dog, “Baby”, also preceded her in death.

She eloped and married the love of her life, Earl Snowden, on December 7, 1954 at 1 a.m. in Quartzsite, Arizona.  Mary and Earl returned to Folkston, Georgia and began their family, later moving to Fernandina Beach, FL for thirteen years before finally settling in Lake City in the fall of 1972.   They raised four children whom all call Lake City their home.  Mary and Earl reached a significant milestone on December 7, 2016, when they celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary.  Earl passed away eight days later.  Mary had been his primary caregiver for many years.  As testament to her love and devotion to Earl, she stayed by his side through all his illnesses even though she had health issues too.  Mary was a stay-at-home wife and mother who loved her family and was proud of them.  She was an excellent cook, passing those skills to her daughters and granddaughters.  Her favorite times were those when all the family gathered for her holiday feasts – great food that would put any restaurant to shame.  Her creative talents went beyond the kitchen though, excelling as a seamstress, crafter and artist.  She made many of the clothes her children wore when they were young and enjoyed crafting gifts for family and friends.  She enjoyed sketching/drawing pictures in charcoal colors or oil paints, many of which are proudly displayed in her children’s homes.  She crocheted & knitted items and created beautiful porcelain dolls and ceramic pieces in her kiln.  She enjoyed bluegrass, country and gospel music, especially when Earl played them on his guitar or banjo and sang for her.  She was a charter member of the Trinity Nazarene Church of Lake City.

Survivors include her four children and their spouses: Debbie L. Dawsey (Freddie), David E. Snowden (Louise), Larry A. Snowden (Debbie) and Brenda K. Wise (Kelly) all of Lake City.  From these children, she was blessed with nine grandchildren: Colt Snowden (DeAnna), Casey Bopp (Trevor) of Gainesville, Chance Snowden (Ashlee), Holly Hanover (Ruark), Joshua Wise (Samantha), Callie Brickert (Daniel), Rachel Snowden, Christopher Snowden (deceased), and Juliana Snowden.  Her grandchildren added to her legacy by blessing her with twelve great-grandchildren:  Kaden, Carter, Caroline and Cassidy Snowden; Cason and Colson Bopp; Tucker and Finnley Snowden; Hope and Easton Hanover; Denver Brickert and Blaine Wise.  Left behind to cherish her memory is also two sisters, Bessie Mae King of Calhoun, GA and Patricia Lively (Charles) of Rome, GA, one brother, Olen B. Davis, Jr., of Montana, sisters-in-law Shirley, Annie Lee, Janet and Nell Snowden and one brother-in-law, Marvin Snowden (June), all of Folkston, GA, along with numerous nieces and nephews.  Heaven has gained a good woman who will be truly missed by everyone who loved her.

“Dear Lord, not our will, but yours.  Into your hands we commend the beautiful spirit of this child of God.  We pray that you prepare a place for her now in your heavenly kingdom.  Amen.”

Services will be held at the chapel of Gateway Forest Lawn Funeral Home of Lake City on Tuesday, January 30, 2018 at 11:00 a.m., with family friends, Larry and Dorcas Simmons, officiating. Family visitation will be one hour prior to the service 10:00-11:00 A.M..  Interment will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Epiphany Catholic School, 1937 Epiphany Court, Lake City, FL 32025.  

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