Joann Coe Snider

Joann Snider died unexpectedly at her home on Tuesday evening, August 16, 2011. Joann was born in Forsyth County on August 26, 1932, the daughter of Julius Howell Coe and Annie Hedgecock Coe. She married Gurney M. Snider, Sr., on October 27, 1950.

After Gurney’s death in September 1978, Joann launched three businesses. She owned the first TCBY franchise east of the Mississippi River, operating three TCBY stores in Greensboro, and later opened Bingo Nuts in Greensboro and DT’s Tavern in High Point. Joann was married to Ed Keif of Greensboro for 10 years.

In addition to her entrepreneurial spirit, Joann had numerous interests and talents, including contract bridge, gardening and sewing. An avid sports fan at all levels and for all sports, Joann was particularly fond of Carolina basketball and Atlanta Braves baseball. She was likely the only grandmother who actively participated in fantasy leagues, regularly advising her grandchildren on league picks. She was an excellent cook and always kept a crochet project by her side.

Joann was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Gurney, and daughter, Joni Montgomery, as well as her parents and sister. She leaves behind a brother, Charles Coe of High Point, and four children: Toni Snider of Charlotte, Teryl Perry of High Point, Cheryl Bridges (partner, Tracey) of Greensboro, and Marty (Gurney, Jr.) Snider and spouse, Andrea, of Charlotte. Joann was known as Gan-Gan to her nine grandchildren, who were the light and love of her life: Brian (spouse, Leah) and Stephanie Padrick; Collin and Leslie Perry; Kevin (spouse, Kelli) and Carly Garrison, and Myatt, Jillian and Emmitt Snider. Also cherished were numerous nieces and nephews, sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law.

There will be a family service at 11:00 a.m. at the Oakwood Cemetery Mausoleum in High Point on Saturday, August 20th. In honor of Joann’s request, friends and family are invited to attend a drop-in “Celebration of Life” from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Saturday afternoon at her home, 3504 Imperial Drive in High Point. Her precious nephew, Dr. Mack Donald Brock of Ermo, SC, will deliver the eulogy at 3:00.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be sent to Joann’s favorite charity, The American Heart Association, 4217 Park Place Court, Glenn Allen, VA 23060, ATTN: Joann Snider Memorial Fund, or to a charity of choice.

Sechrest Funeral Service of High Point is handling arrangements