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On Thursday, April 26, 2012, Bessie Lee Eaton Snuggs peacefully slipped into the arms of her Heavenly Father and received eternal rest. Bessie was born August 31, 1936 to her parents Earnest Eaton and Evangeline Gooden Eaton Devore, who preceded her in death. During her youth, Bessie was nurtured in a home where Christian values were taught and demonstrated. As a result, in later years, she placed her faith in Jesus Christ and graciously accepted His call on her life. Her early education was acquired in the Public School System of Pitt County, Greenville, North Carolina. Bessie received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Early Childhood Education from Winston-Salem State University in 1960. She continued to enrich her horizons by obtaining her Master’s Degree from the University of the District of Columbia and additional graduate studies from Trinity University. Immediately after graduation, Bessie began her career with Pitt County Schools in Farmville, North Carolina. After five years, she ventured to Washington, DC where she continued her career with the District of Columbia Public Schools at Daniel A. Payne Elementary School. During this time, Bessie served as chairperson of the Washington Teachers Union, Quad Schools, the Hospitality Committee, and Grade Level chairperson. In recognition of Bessie’s outstanding teaching ability and devotion to education, she was nominated as Teacher of the Month. Bessie was a member of the Washington Metropolitan Alumni Association and served as treasurer for four years. For 30 years, Bessie touched and impacted the lives of countless students, as well as colleagues. Several friendships were established and maintained from her beloved alma mater Winston-Salem State University and Payne Elementary School that she valued and cherished throughout her life. On November 3, 1971 Bessie and Clarence Snuggs were joined in Holy matrimony. From this union two children were born: one son, Jermaine, who lived only a few hours after birth, and one daughter, Deatrice. After returning home to care for her ailing mother, Bessie united with Sycamore Hill Missionary Baptist Church where she became involved in the Senior Ladies Auxiliary, Altar Guild and other Auxiliaries as needed. Her passion for teaching allowed her to continue working past her retirement as a substitute teacher with the Pitt County School System. Bessie, also, enjoyed spending time with her family and dearest friends, cooking, traveling, gardening, and most of all, shopping. To cherish her memory and build upon her legacy: she is survived by her husband, Clarence Snuggs, Greenville, NC; One daughter, Deatrice Snuggs (William McCloud), Fuquay Varina, NC; One granddaughter, Erykah Snuggs, Fuquay Varina, NC; One brother: Ernest Eaton (Ethel) Rolesville, NC: One sister, DeWanda Eaton, Bowie, MD; Siblings by marriage: Rodney Clemons, Oxon Hill, MD, Vendetta Clemons and Colette Jackson, Greenville, NC; Uncle, Charles Eaton (Romaine) Winston-Salem, NC; Brother-in-law, Willie Snuggs (Theresa) Springdale, MD; Children by marriage: Sandra Luckey (George) Fayetteville, NC; Clarence Snuggs (Judy) Silver Spring, MD; Patricia Dixon (Craig) Rockville, MD; Barbara Snuggs, Greenville, NC; Grandchildren by marriage: Andrew and Matthew Dixon, Rockville, MD, Clarence Snuggs, Silver Spring, MD, and Terris Luckey, Fayetteville, NC; One niece, nine nephews, and a host of other relatives and friends.

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Mrs Bessie Lee Eaton Snuggs

August 31, 1936 - April 26, 2012