Betty Ann Corbett Snell

Mrs. Betty Ann Corbett Snell, aged 89, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday, April 22, 2023, after a hard-fought battle against the ravages of memory loss. Ann was at the Bailey Family Center in St. Augustine, with the sound of her family’s voices nearby when she crossed into her heavenly Father’s welcoming arms, at long last reunited with her dearest husband, Fred. No one could have had a more appropriate birthday than Ann Snell. Born to Tracy James Corbett and Jennie Fraser Corbett on July 4th, Ann was one of the most patriotic individuals ever born. She graduated from Florida State University and was a member of the synchronized swimming team. She met her husband, Fred Snell, on the shores of Fernandina Beach in 1954, and they were married on March 27, 1955. After being stationed in Germany for almost three years while Fred was in the Army, they returned to make their home and raise their family in Florida, settling in St. Augustine in the late 1960s. Ann was active in her church, Community Bible Church, and when not involved in some capacity there, could be found in her garden, cultivating it into one of the most beautiful yards in St. Augustine. So much in life gave her joy and happiness, and gardening was one of those things. She loved life, she loved her family, and she loved the Lord with every explosive fiber of her being. To Ann, life was a series of delights and adventures, waiting to be explored and embraced. Whether it was frolicking on the beach, bodysurfing in the ocean, playing with any children near her, or speeding across the St. Johns River on her beloved jet ski, Ann did it all full of joy and laughter. She loved children and always had the best (or most obnoxious, depending on who you ask) toys in her cabinet, and she could often be seen on the floor, pulling out baskets, bins and containers full of the noisiest toys ever created. She loved to share her jet ski with anyone who was daring enough to take it out on their own, and she was more than willing to introduce unsuspecting beginners to the joys of the “360s” out on the water. At age 65, she slalom water-skied, just to prove to herself that she still could. And she did it perfectly. She loved celebrating Independence Day (and her birthday) and watching fireworks with her was nothing short of pure entertainment. Once described as an 18-year-old trapped in an adult’s body, Ann truly embodied the spirit of a firecracker. Ann also loved her family. She embraced not only her own family, but anyone in need of a hug, a supportive ear, a prayer warrior, or a mom’s loving embrace. Ann loved everyone equally, no matter their past, and never had a harsh word to say about anyone. It was easy to see that someone had crossed Ann’s path at church on Sundays because a lip print of hot pink lipstick could be seen on their cheek. It was her signature mark of love and affection. She also treasured her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Nothing brought a bigger smile to Ann’s face than when they ran into the room. Even as her memory became clouded and murky, nothing could stop the light in her eyes when these little souls were by her side. Ann’s life reflected her deep and abiding joy of knowing that she was a beloved daughter of Jesus Christ, her Savior. A faithful member of Community Bible Church for many decades, Ann, along with her beloved husband, Fred, hosted countless gatherings, celebrations, baptisms and dinners at their home on the river, lovingly dubbed “Heaven Sent.” A common refrain from Ann was “The Lord is so good.” She never doubted His goodness, His faithfulness and His unfailing love. And she unashamedly shared it with all. Ann’s life was full of light and laughter, and she truly was heaven sent. Ann was preceded in death by her husband, Fred, who passed away in 2011, her sister, Jean Marie and her nephew, Bob Price. She is survived by her three children, Nancy, Tracy and Jennie, her two grandchildren, Molly and Tracy Jr. (TJ), and two great-grandchildren, Kiara and Naomi. She is also survived by her niece, Ann Corbett Price Luttrell and nephew Jim Price, as well as numerous cousins. So many have called her “Mama Snell” over the years, and her daughters-by-love are Rebecca McElroy and Robbin Olmedo. She will be missed by all those who loved her and were loved by her. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 29, at 2:00 PM at Community Bible Church, 3150 US Highway 1 South, St. Augustine. In honor of Ann’s love of life and color, all are welcome to wear their brightest and most cheerful attire. Private interment services at Jacksonville National Cemetery, where she will be laid to rest with her husband, will be held at a later date. A visitation will be held from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Friday, April 28, at St. Johns Family Funeral Home. Flowers are gratefully accepted, or donations in Ann’s memory may be made to The Gideons International.

Betty Ann Corbett Snell

July 4, 1933 - April 22, 2023