Obituary of Jean Elaine Snyder

Jean Elaine Thralls Overking Snyder, 70, of Lost Creek, went home to her Lord on Friday, September 23, following a courageous battle with cancer. She was well known among family and friends as having a servant's heart. A twin, she was born in Fairmont on October 10, 1945, a daughter of the late Mansfield Richard Thralls and the late Mary Gertrude Lennon Thralls. Jean was married to Russell A. Snyder on August 11, 2007, a second happy marriage for both. Jean was married to her first husband, Michael M. Overking, until his untimely passing on August 22, 1998. A graduate of East Fairmont High School and Fairmont State College, Jean retired from the Social Security Administration where she had worked for many years in the Fairmont and Morgantown offices as a claims representative. She was awarded many commendations for her work throughout the years. Even after retirement, she was always happy to assist those seeking her advice. Throughout her life, Jean was a faithful attendee of local churches wherever she lived; most recently, Jean and Russ attended Simpson Creek Baptist Church. She was also a sustaining member of the Junior League of Fairmont, a member of the Gamma Chi Chi/Phi Mu Alumnae Association, East Fairmont High School Alumni Association, Lost Creek Lion’s Club, Republican Club of Harrison County, and secretary of the GOP Executive Committee of Harrison County. Until her illness, she enjoyed attending Social Security retiree monthly luncheons and monthly dinner meetings of graduates of the East Fairmont High School class of 1963 living locally, many of whom were early childhood friends. Jean leaves many to mourn her passing. In addition to her wonderful husband, Russ, she is survived by her son Ian Overking (Arienne) of Columbus, OH; two stepsons, Russell A Snyder, Jr. of Fairmont and Mark Snyder (Becky) of McCurdysville; and six step-grandchildren (Riley, Emma, Drew, Elyse, Ethan, and Hadley). She eagerly anticipated the October birth of an additional grandchild to be named Tristan Michael Overking. Jean was happy and proud to be part of a large immediate and extended family of which she was the center. Surviving siblings include Eleanor Clayton of Rock Lake Community; J. Richard Thralls (Caroline) of Front Royal, VA; Dr. Suzanne Snyder of Fairmont; Dr. John F. Thralls (Mary Jane) of Hurricane, WV; twin sister, Joan Thralls Bevan (David) of Warren, OH; Dr. Charlotte Thralls (Dr. Thomas Kent) of Kalamazoo MI; and Todd Thralls of Maitland, FL. Surviving in-laws include Patrick Overking (Lynn), Maribeth Overking (Sharon), Beverley Whitmyer, Vivian Marshall, Audrey and Scott Huffman, Martha and James Place, and Alice Fairman (Donald). She was also a beloved aunt to Brian Clayton (Maggie), Cara Snyder, Marcus Snyder, Chad Thralls (Abigail), Melissa Thralls Hayes, Brian Bevan (Dr. Katherine), Kathryn Bevan Rovegno (Lou), Joshua Overking (Nicole), Zachary Overking, Christopher Rowan, Stephanie Rowan, Meryl Whitmyer, William Whitmyer, Jr., Sissy Brown (Kirby), Barbara LaRotonda (Ronald), Matthew Marshall, Amy Fowler, Adam Huffman, Ashley Huffman, Rebecca Witherow, Stacy Gill, and Tara McBride (Robert), as well as many great nieces and nephews. Jean was a wonderful hostess, and she and Russ entertained family and friends at many holiday and family events. They opened their doors ever wider to welcome all as their families and associations grew. Jean's life will be celebrated at a memorial service to be held at Simpson Creek Baptist Church, 231 W. Philadelphia Avenue, Bridgeport, WV 26330 on Saturday, October 1. A family greeting time will begin at 9:30 a.m. with the service at 11:00 a.m. with Reverend Dr. C. Michael Hopkins presiding. Jean's family is especially grateful to Beverley Whitmyer and Sissy Brown for their loving care of Jean and their support of Russ at the end of her illness. Jean donated her body for cancer research. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 145 Fayette Street, Morgantown, WV 26505 or at www.cancer.org. Condolences may be extended to the family at www.fordfuneralhomes.com. The Snyder family has entrusted the care and arrangements to the Ford Funeral Home, 215 East Main Street, Bridgeport, WV.