Johnnie Garner Snell

In the small town of Lauderdale County, (Sugar Hill) AL. The sun rose on Johnnie Willie Garner’s remarkable life on May 5, 1941. She was born one of eleven children born to the late Willie James and Eva Louise Garner. Being the fifth child Johnnie’s strength and tenacity shone through from an early age.

She graduated from Trenholm High School and went to college in Stanford Connecticut. While in Connecticut she married Joseph Snell Jr. and to that union Deborah Ann Snell Cunningham was born on May 3, 1968. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Education while in Connecticut. Later she moved to Memphis, TN and got her master’s at Arkansas State at night, while teaching school in the West Memphis School District. She pledged to Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc and very active in all activities.

Johnnie’s spirit remained vibrant as she continued to enrich lives with her wisdom and kindness at Zion One Missionary Baptist Church along with her volunteer work at Helen Keller Hospital. A woman of resourcefulness and wit, she poured love, joy and determination leaving an indelible mark on all who knew her. Her recipe for life mirrored her approach of love, humor and faith stirred with a hearty dose of purpose.

She now joins her parents, son- Malcolm Bellamy, grandson- Bradley Jamal Snell. Siblings, brothers, Andrew J., George L., Willie C., Eugene, and sisters Mary Sue, and Mattie Louise in the heavenly ranks.

Leaving behind a legacy carried forward by her daughter, Deborah Cunningham (Kevin), grandsons, Martin Snell, Derrick Snell, Reese Bellamy, and granddaughter, Madison Bellamy, great grandson J’aumauri Snell. Sibling, Robert E. Garner Otis S. Garner Charles W Garner, Bessie A. Garner Sister-in-law, Ella Mae Garner and a host of Nieces and Nephews and other Relatives and Friends.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Johnnie Garner Snell, please visit our floral store.