Dorothy Sneed French

On October 21, 2014 Dorothy “Dot” Sneed French, beloved mother, grandmother, sister and friend, passed from the arms of her loving family into the welcoming arms of her loving Lord.

Hans Christian Anderson once said "a human life is a story told by God,” and Dot’s life is an example of what an eloquent, compelling and graceful author He is. Born April 12, 1925 in Bluefield, West VA, to parents Leola and Raymond Sneed, Dot married Marine and WWII veteran James Johnson French in 1947. He passed away too soon in 1951.

In the next chapter of her life, Dot moved herself and her young daughter, Dorcas, to Thomasville in 1960 after her doctor advised her that a warmer climate would help her rheumatoid arthritis. While she visited several towns in Georgia, she fell in love with the tree-canopied streets of Thomasville, especially Dawson Street. She worked for many years at Archbold Lab and Southwestern State Hospital, from which she retired.

Throughout her life, God used Dot’s sweet smile and caring nature as a ministry to others. Whether singing in the choir at Dawson Street Baptist Church or playing the piano for a Sunday School class at a local nursing home, she served as a comfort and inspiration to everyone who knew her.

Dot’s story included many adventures and fun family times. She visited every state in the country collecting rocks and gems from each of her travels from around the country and around the world, the last trip being to Alaska with her grandson-in-law. She was an avid fan of the Atlanta Braves, hitting the road to Atlanta with friends and family many times to catch games in person. During retirement, she fed her creative streak by taking piano lessons and art classes.

Perhaps the most compelling element of Dot’s story is that she was well aware that her final chapter on earth was coming to a close. Her preparations serve as a reminder to us all of what is truly important – she prayed unceasingly, spent every precious moment with family and recorded books so that she can continue reading to her great grandchildren for a long time to come. And true to form, she always smiled with the confidence of someone who knew that fabulous adventures await her in Heaven.

Dot is survived by a family that gives thanks to God for a story well-told and a life well-lived: Daughter Dorcas Cleveland and her husband, Alan, of Thomasville; Granddaughter Whitney Robertson, her husband James and their children, Andrew and Ellie Robertson, of Thomasville; Grandson Jonathan Cleveland of Thomasville; sister-in-law Eula Sneed of St. Paul, VA, nieces Susan Trent and Marquita Powers and nephew Scott Sneed, all of St. Paul, VA, and several great nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by husband James French, parents Leola and Raymond Sneed of Boston, GA, brother Marvin Sneed and nephew Dean Sneed of St. Paul, VA.

A Memorial Celebration of her life will be held at Dawson Street Baptist Church on Thursday, October 23, 2014 at 10 o’clock, followed by visitation with family in the church Fellowship Hall. Burial will be a private family service at Laurel Hill Cemetery in Thomasville. Donations may be made to the Handbell Choir of Dawson Street Baptist Church, Thomasville, GA.