was born on October 30, 1932 in New Rochelle, New York. Her family moved to St Petersburg, Florida where Barbara graduated from St Petersburgh High School in 1950. In 1956, Barbara married her high school classmate, Richard Snelling. She was preceded in death by her husband after 46 years of marriage.
Barbara studied business administration at Saint Petersburg Community College and held numerous interesting jobs as a young woman. While raising their family, Barbara was committed to community service and philanthropic endeavors, some of which included; the Junior Women’s Club of West Palm Beach, Alter Guild Director at St Mark’s Episcopal Church in Cocoa Beach, President of the Women of all Saints Episcopal Church, as well as being a member of the Central Brevard League of Women’s Voters organization.
After moving to Atlanta in 1973, Barbara became involved with the Atlanta Lawn Tennis Association (ALTA) as a participant and volunteer helping to establish league play and the Junior Development Program. Barbara was also a talented artist. During the 80’s, she sold her artwork at the Atlier studio located on Cheshire Bridge Road. Barbara enjoyed many years of tennis and golf at the Atlanta Athletic Club where she was an active and loved member since 1988.
Barbara attended Shallowford Presbyterian Church for nearly four decades where she involved herself in all aspects of the church. She served many terms as an Elder and was committed to stewardship, philanthropy and endowment initiatives. Barbara’s most cherished legacy will be her many church friends who adored her for her sense of humor and fun loving spirit. In 2019, Barbara transferred her membership to Johns Creek Presbyterian Church where she served on the Worship and Endowment Committees. Barbara’s commitment to God, worship and fellowship were always a priority in her life.
Barbara was an amazing hostess, entertainer and cook leaving her family and friends with many cherished memories of fun parties and happy family celebrations. She will be lovingly remembered for her generosity and devotion to her family, friends and God. She is survived by two sisters, Jane Fuller (Donald) and Judy Livingston (Thomas), a son, Richard Kelly Snelling Jr. (Jill), two daughters, Debi Doverspike (David), Laura Bentley (Robert), ten grandchildren, David, Richard (Alaina), Rachael and Sarah Doverspike, Brock and Scottie Snelling, Finley Pastorello, Victoria, Caroline and Robert Bentley Jr., a great granddaughter Evelyn Grace Doverspike and many nieces and nephews.
A Memorial Service, will be held Saturday, September 11th at 1:00 p.m. at Johns Creek Presbyterian Church (10950 Bell Road, Johns Creek, Ga. 30097) with a gathering to follow in the atrium (masks will be required). For those unable to attend in person, a livestream option is available at jcpcusa.org. The family will receive friends at H.M. Patterson and Son Oglethorpe Hill Chapel at 4550 Peachtree Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30319 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Friday, September 10th.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Johns Creek Presbyterian Church (10950 Bell Road, Johns Creek, Ga. 30097) in honor of Barbara Snelling.
