Ann Pender Snyder

Ann Pender Snyder passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 31, 2024. We invite you to celebrate her remarkable life at a service held at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, November 5 at First Presbyterian Church, where Reverend Newton Cowan will officiate. Following the service, the family will welcome friends in the Virginia Gilmer Room at the church.

Born in 1930 in Wilson, N.C., Ann was the beloved daughter of Evelyn and Howard Pender. She graduated from Fayetteville Senior High School and Women’s College in Greensboro. In 1953, she married William David Snyder, Jr., and together they made their home in Greensboro. Ann began her career in Major L.P. McClendon’s law office, but her true passion was a life dedicated to service.

Ann's impact on the community was profound. She held leadership roles in Preservation Greensboro and Blandwood Museum, served on the boards of Preservation North Carolina and the NC Museum of History, and was a dedicated volunteer at the Greensboro History Museum. For 30 years, she generously offered her time in the ICU at Cone Hospital. Active in both West Market Street United Methodist Church and First Presbyterian Church, where she served as an elder, Ann was also a founding member of the Greensboro Opera Company and the social chairman of the Sedgefield Hunt. She was proud to be a member of the Wall Street Wizards investment club. Ann was a passionate leader, serving as president, active member, and head trustee of the Historical Book Club of North Carolina, where she inspired a deep appreciation for the state’s rich heritage and fostered a love for literature among its members.

Among her cherished memories was an extraordinary moment when she was invited by the governor of North Carolina to meet John F. Kennedy, due to her involvement in his campaign efforts. This opportunity to engage with a future president was a testament to her dedication and influence, and it remained one of her fondest recollections.

Ann loved the holiday season, especially creating Christmas stockings and celebrating Blandwood Christmas, surrounded by family and friends.

Her greatest joy was her family. She cherished her daughters, Pamela and Frances, often cheering them on at horse shows. She loved summers spent at Long Beach, playing tennis, knitting, and traveling with Bill. She also enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren. Ann’s wit, beauty, and charm drew people in, leaving a lasting impression on all who knew her.

She is predeceased by her parents, her husband William, sisters Alice Pender Olive and Eleanor Pender Mitchiner, and her brother Carlton Gray Pender. Ann is survived by her daughters, Pamela Snyder Sessoms and her husband Keith Valaer Sessoms, and Frances Snyder Jones and her husband Roland Manning Jones Jr. She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren: Keith Valaer Sessoms Jr., Richard Carlton Parrish, Ann Pender Sessoms, Kyle Marie Novak, and Roland Manning Jones III, along with her special niece Ann Mitchiner Davenport and all her Pender nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church at 617 North Elm Street, Greensboro, NC 27401, or to Preservation Greensboro, Inc., PO Box 13136, Greensboro, NC 27415.

Hanes Lineberry North Elm Chapel is assisting the Snyder family with arrangements. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.haneslineberryfhnorthelm.com