Doris Elizabeth Snead, née English, the second of eleven siblings, was born in Andersonville, Georgia on February 27, 1933 to the union of ArtieZell (Lumpkin) and Oscar Benjamin English, Sr. She was reared in a loving and faith-based home on property purchased shortly after the days of slavery; property constituting the English Family homestead now for well more than a century. As was customary for farm-raised children from this era, her formal education ended in the eighth grade. Naturally bright, and possessing a very strong backbone, she was entrusted by her parents with the responsibility to ensure chores were completed and discipline maintained in the house and work around the farm.
In 1954 her sister Virginia introduced her to Robert White, Jr. of Ellaville, Georgia, and they were soon married. To this union six children were born. After their first two children were born, they moved the family to Orange Park, Florida, where the four additional children were born. During this time both accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior, and joined Mt. Nebo Primitive Baptist Church. Her husband became a Deacon in the church and she became an important Sister in the congregation, eventually rising — by the time of her death — to the status of Mother of the Church.
Doris and Robert were married until his untimely death on March 14, 1981. She thereafter continued shepherding her flock as all six children married, grandchildren were born, all three sons completed tours in the United States Army, multiple children completed undergraduate and advanced college degrees, and all of the kids established independent households of their own. Throughout, she was a loving wife, dutiful and even-handed mother, doting grandmother and great-grandmother to all of her flock. On November 22, 1990 (Thanksgiving Day), Doris again married. This time, at age 57, she partnered with Van R. Snead of St. Petersburg and walked with him as he grew from Deacon, to Pastor, then to Pastor of multiple churches, and currently as Moderator of the entire Antioch Association of Primitive Baptist Churches.
An excellent cook and housekeeper, she was known for a wide range of dishes, pies and cakes. Her children were convinced she could cook anything and make it tasty, and many others readily agreed. Her sons will particularly cherish memories of Pancake Saturday mornings, when all three raced to wolf down the goodness as soon as they came off the griddle.
Doris worked many years in Florida, alternately as a custodian with the Clay County school system at Orange Park Elementary or as a domestic for a range of local families. Her most recent and final longterm position was for the Margaret and Thomas Gibbs family, a 20-year relationship, where she captured the hearts of their now-grown twins, Marleigh & Will.
The earthly journey for Doris Elizabeth ended on Wednesday, December 13, 2017. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Robert White, Jr.; her parents ArtieZell and Oscar B. English; and siblings Willie Bell, Rosanna, Virginia, Cora Dean, Philmore and Elder Oscar B. English, Jr.
Loving memories will be treasured and she will be missed by her husband, Elder Van R. Snead; Her children: Cynthia, Larry (Linda), Wanda Addison (Douglas), Joel (Valencia), Robert (Edele), and Dorothy Buchanan (Steven). Grandchildren: Larry Jr., Veronica, Joshua, Jacque, Marc, Jason, Jeremy, Aidan & Iain. Sisters: Artie Schofield (Walter) & Ruby Ludaway both of Jacksonville, FL. Brothers: Nathaniel (Liz) & Alfred English, both of Andersonville, GA. Current Sister-in-laws: Lois Snead, Velma Ross, Essie Gilbert, Connie Chance; Brother-in-laws: Charles Gilbert, Jr.; Prior in-laws: Eddie Kendrick, John (Mary Alice), Nora Bakon (J.W.), Charlie (Wanda), Lois Ann, Carolyn, Evangeline, Sandra, Darrell (Gwen); and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, relatives by choice, and friends galore.

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