Roll Call Tribute

(Published in) The (Bryan-College Station) Eagle (on) December 28, 2016

Snyder, Joanne Elizabeth

January 13, 1966 - December 24, 2016
On Saturday, December 24, 2016, Joanne Snyder, 50 years of age, beloved wife, treasured colleague, and caring community member died in Bryan, Texas, after a courageous battle with diabetes-related health issues for over ten years. Visitation will be on Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2016, from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Callaway-Jones Funeral Home and Cremation Centers Bryan/College Station, and her funeral service will be Thursday, Dec. 29 at 11:00 a.m. also at Callaway-Jones, with burial at Rest-Ever Memorial Park Cemetery in Bryan. Joanne's family asked that in paying respects to her during the visitation and funeral service to please wear casual attire. Joanne was born on January 13, 1966, in Wood Ridge, New Jersey, to Hugh and Donna (Long) Williams, Joanne was destined to be a citizen of the world. As a child, she lived in Holland and other parts of Europe and then returned to the United States, locating first in New Orleans, Louisiana, then to Kingwood, Texas, where she graduated from Kingwood High School in 1984. As a child, Joanne loved playing soccer and softball, and she was an active swimmer. She enjoyed these outdoor sports, especially with her father as her coach. Choosing Texas A&M for her collegiate studies, when Joanne moved to College Station, she knew she would be an Aggie forever, feeling entirely at home in her newest community. Joanne graduated with her bachelor's degree in Computer Science (minor in accounting) from Texas A&M University on May 13, 1988. In life, Joanne was determined, persistent, kind, caring and very independent. She'd always had many friends, but she was destined to meet her future best friend, and husband, almost by accident. One day when they were both helping a mutual friend, a young man named Randy Snyder saw her, and immediately asked her out. Joanne said 'No'. It took three requests before Joanne said 'Yes.' It was likely clear to Randy on their first date at Pizza Hut, that he was going to have her say 'Yes' at least one more time—at their future wedding. He was determined! Joanne and Randy married on October 14 in 1989 and shared 27 years together. They opened their home and shared the joy of parenting several beloved pets, including Rio (a black Labrador), Shadow, Clyde, and Casey. The couple enjoyed all their time together, as well as with friends and family, especially at Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons. She had the ability to take time out of a day and truly relax, whether it was watching cooking shows, cooking for Randy and others. As a kid in Kingwood, she enjoyed fishing with hot dogs on a string. She also enjoyed more outdoor fun on occasional fishing trips. Joanne had a love and special skill for working on her Volkswagen Beetle. Her determination and persistence to offer families comfort and reassurance, as part of her work life, was beautifully balanced, as she'd completely relax when watching favorite TV shows, including "Star Trek" or "Touched by an Angel." She was always a woman at peace with life. Joanne was a devoted and treasured part of the Callaway-Jones Funeral and Cremation Centers in Bryan-College Station. Her professional career with Callaway-Jones began in 1993 when she began working at their Rest-Ever Memorial Park Cemetery in north Bryan, and later earning a position as cemetery manager. In 2001, she also became operating manager of the Callaway-Jones Crematory where she worked loyally for over 15 years. Her parents, Donna Long Williams and Hugh Williams, as well as her mother-in-law, Jean Snyder Fisher, preceded Joanne in death. She is survived by her husband, Randy Snyder of College Station; sister Kim Williams; brother, Bruce Williams; and her step-dad Ralph Fisher and brother-in-laws Todd and Rick Snyder along with her nieces and nephews; and is highly regarded by a host of friends, particularly her Callaway-Jones family. In lieu of flowers, gifts in memory of Joanne can be made to the American Diabetes Association, PO Box 11454, Alexandria, VA 22312, or to Hospice Brazos Valley at 502 W. 26th St., Bryan, TX 77803. Express condolences at CallawayJones.com