Virginia Lynn Snyder

Today we gather to celebrate the beautiful life of Virginia “Jenny” Lynn Rankin Snyder, who was born March 14th, 1947, and entered the presence of her Lord on July 14th, 2026.

While today is filled with sadness, it is also a day to celebrate a life lived with love, kindness, and unwavering devotion to family. Jenny wasn’t someone who measured life by wealth or accomplishments. She measured it by the people she loved, the memories she created, and the time spent with those who meant the most to her.

Jenny is survived by her son, Steve and daughter-in-law, Kesha. She was an incredibly proud grandmother to Cody and Leah Snyder, Steven and Julia “Ju-B” Snyder, and Kylie Jane. She was also blessed to become a great-grandmother to Addison, Braxton, Willow, Bryce, Iris, and Waylon.

She adored being “Mamaw Jenny.” There was no title she wore more proudly. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the light of her life, and she loved cheering them on through every stage of life. Whether it was sitting in the stands at a ballgame, celebrating birthdays or big milestones, or simply spending an afternoon together, those moments filled her heart with joy. She talked about them often, prayed for them constantly, and loved each of them more than words could ever express.

But if you knew Jenny, you knew her love didn’t stop with her children and grandchildren. She had a way of making everyone feel like family. Whether you were related by blood or simply loved by her, you always had a place in her heart and a seat at her table.

Jenny also shared a special bond with Sheena, James, Ree, Jameson, Jessa, Kenzie, Nate, Alisha, Brennen, Breyson, Brelynn, Brittney, Jake, Little Cole, and her “stormy boys”- Steven, Ty, Caleb, and their sister, McKinley. Every one of them held a special place in her heart, and she loved them as if they were her own.

Jenny is also survived by her sister, Donna Woods; her brother, Tom Rankin and his wife, Judy; along with many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews. She especially cherished the close relationship she shared with her nieces, Teresa Woods and Cindy Logan. Jenny, Donna, Teresa, and Cindy spent countless hours together going to dinner, attending church, traveling, and simply enjoying one another’s company. Those moments become some of Jenny’s most treasured memories.

I’m sure there are many others who weren’t specifically named today who meant the world to Jenny-and you know who you are. Her heart was big enough to love so many people, and anyone who spent even a little time with her could feel that love.

Family wasn’t just important to Jenny-it was her whole world. If there was a family gathering, you could almost guarantee she would be there. She loved holidays, birthdays, cookouts, and Sunday dinners because they meant everyone was together. There was nothing that brought her greater joy than looking around a room filled with the people she loved.

One of the greatest ways Jenny showed that love was through her cooking. Her kitchen wasn’t just another room in the house-it was the heart of the home. If you walked through her front door, chances are she was already asking if you were hungry before you had even taken your coat off.

She found genuine joy in feeding the people she loved. Her homemade chicken and noodles, fresh-baked bread, and incredible desserts became family favorites that everyone looked forward to. She didn’t cook because she had to, she cooked because it was one of the purest ways she knew how to say, “I love you.”

There was something special about sitting around Jenny’s table. It wasn’t just about the food. It was about the conversations, the laughter, the stories shared, and the feeling that no matter what was happening in life, you belonged there. She had a gift for making people feel welcome, cared for, and loved. Those meals nourished far more than our bodies-they nourished our hearts, and the memories made around that table will live on for generations.

Jenny also loved attending church whenever her health allowed, often alongside her siblings and nieces. Her faith remained a constant source of strength throughout her life, and today we find comfort in knowing she is safely home with her Lord and Savior.

Jenny was preceded in death by her parents, Orville Rankin and Gladys Spriggs Rankin; her beloved husband and the love of her life, John Thomas Snyder; her sister, Marva Rankin; her niece, Kimmy Rankin; and her precious granddaughter, Sarah Nichole Snyder, who was truly her pride and joy.

Although we grieve today, we also rejoice in knowing that Jenny is no longer suffering. She has been reunited with those she missed so dearly and is experiencing the peace and joy that only Heaven can offer.

The love she gave so freely, the traditions she created, the meals she prepared, and the countless memories she made will continue to live on in each of us. Every holiday recipe passed down, every family gathering around the dinner table, and every story shared about Mamaw Jenny will keep her spirit alive.

Jenny taught us that the greatest gifts we can give one another are our time, our kindness, and our love. She leaves behind an incredible legacy-not one built on possessions, but on faith, family, generosity, and unconditional love.

Though our hearts are broken, we are deeply grateful for every moment we were blessed to share with her. Jenny will forever be loved, deeply missed, and never forgotten.

Until we meet again, may we honor her by loving our families the way she loved hers-with open arms, full hearts, and a place at the table for everyone.

Calling hours will be held on Saturday, July 18th, 2026, from 4PM-8PM at the Lewis & Gillum Funeral Home of Oak Hill. Funeral services will be held on Sunday, July 19th, 2026, at 2PM at the funeral home with burial after at Horeb Cemetery. Online condolences may be sent to www.lewisgillum.com.