WILMINGTON — Phyllis Hinton Snyder was released from the horrid grips of dementia and joined her loved ones gone before her at 7 a.m., Tuesday, May 9, 2017. No more misery, no more loss of dignity … you’re happy and free, but will be missed forever.
Born Feb. 15, 1923, in North Canton, Ohio, to the late Russell William and Leona Stump Hinton.
She is survived by her older sister, Pearl Reikowsky of Minerva, Ohio; daughters, Sandra Drew of Herndon, Va., and Cheryl Snyder-Neff of Wilmington, N.C.; grandchildren, Samantha Fil (Eric) and Phillip Drew (Kaylie); three great-granddaughters; many nieces and nephews; and her loyal companions, the whippets, Kip and Margo.
She started life on a farm. She enlisted in the USMC during World War II, becoming an aircraft mechanic and was one of the first USMC women to be honorably discharged when the war ended.
She married a marine, was even queen for a day. In 2004, she wrote, “But I am here to tell you I had a great life. I experienced history. I made history. I didn’t read it the newspaper or watch it on TV. I do know that I was happiest and proudest to be doing the job I did as a Marine.”
A celebration of her life will take place at 2 p.m., Friday, May 12, at the First Christian Church, 2035 Oleander Drive. The family will receive friends following the celebration of her life. She will be buried in Arlington National Cemetery beside her husband, Master Gunnery Sergeant James William Snyder, who preceded her in death on March 20, 1964.
Donations to dementia organizations and animal rescue are appreciated. But greatly needed is the awareness of how isolating this disease is for the patient and the caregiver, for years. Our wish is for all to reach out and give assistance to an at-home caregiver who is doing their best to survive this retched disease and keep their loved one content and comfortable. We all hit a time when we’ve lost hope and need someone to put their arms around us and say “I’ve got you right now. I won’t let you face this alone.” A conversation, sitting with the patient, bringing food, any gesture of empathy is appreciated, and, finding a cure; that is our wish in Phyllis’ memory.
Please share memories or condolences to the family at wilmingtoncares.com.