A Celebration of Leatrice Snowden's life will occur on
Tuesday, November 28, 2023
Viewing 10:00 a.m. -11:00 a.m.
Mass at 11:00 a.m.
The African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas
6361 Lancaster Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19151
Interment: Private
Leatrice Joy Thompkins Snowden was born on September 26, 1938, in Augusta, GA, to Linzie Calvin Tompkins, Jr. and Eliza Thompson Tompkins.Leatrice grew up with 7 siblings: brothers Linzie Tompkins, III; Leon Tompkins; Leverne Tompkins;Samuel Tompkins (deceased); Bernard Tompkins (deceased); and Arnold Tompkins; and sister Olivia Tompkins Stephens.
Leatrice was initially educated in the public-school systems of Augusta, GA and North Augusta, SC. Upon graduation from high school, Leatrice attended Paine College, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology in 1960; Leatrice later earned a Master of Business Administration degree in Health Care Administration from Widener University in1982.
While attending Paine College, Leatrice met and married Dr. Thomas G. Snowden, on July 18, 1960. This union produced three children: Dr. Thomas E. Snowden (December 17, 1961); Dr. Daniel E. Snowden (March 9, 1965) and, Carol-Lynn Snowden (November 23, 1968).
Leatrice was a long-time employee of the Federal government, specifically, the Veterans Administration Hospital (Philadelphia and Coatesville). Here, she served as a Medical Technician (1960-1968), Medical Technologist (1968-1982) and Blood Bank/Laboratory Supervisor (1982-1998).
Leatrice always had an active church life, initially with the Simpson-Fletcher United Methodist Church (1970-1984), serving as a member of the United Methodist Women, Sunday School musician and teacher, and Bible School teacher. Later, Leatrice joined the African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas, serving on the Altar Guild, Daughters of the King, the Sisterhood Guild and, as a volunteer at the Church thrift store.
Leatrice was by far, the best example of a strong, Black, Christian woman. God-Fearing, Faithful and Wise; Patient and Kind; a Sweet and Loving Wife, Mother and Grandmother; a Dedicated Professional; Considerate and Understanding; Persevering and Fortitudinous – in everything she did, Leatrice was a Real Trooper!
Leatrice passed away on November 13, 2023. She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Dr. Thomas G.; sons Dr. Thomas E. and Dr. Daniel E.; daughter Carol-Lynn; daughter-in-law Laniese; grandchildren Candice and Christopher; sister Olivia; brothers Linzie, Leon, Leverne and Arnold; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
We honor the memory and celebrate the life of Leatrice Joy Thompkins Snowden – an extraordinary person who set the perfect example of how a true Christian life should be lived!
