Martha Jo Bateman Snowden

Maple – Martha Jo Bateman Snowden, 78, of Maple passed peacefully in the early morning hours of November 12, 2021. A native of Currituck County, she was born in Jarvisburg, NC on December 24, 1942, a Christmas Eve baby. She was the daughter of the late Benjamine Otto Bateman, Sr. (Otto) and Gladys Helen Simpson Bateman (Gladys) both of Poplar Branch, NC.

Martha Jo was predeceased by her husband, of 47 years, John Henry Snowden, Jr.; her daughter Ginger Jo Snowden; her sister, Mary Ann Bateman Smith and husband Thomas E. Smith Jr., of Chesterfield, VA.; by her brother Benjamine Otto Bateman, Jr. and partner Robert E. McCoy of Onancock, VA.; and by her sister-in-law, Joyce Marie Snowden Bell and husband Horace Wainwright Bell, Jr, of Maple.

Martha Jo is survived by her son, John Henry Snowden, III of Maple; by her sisters, Gloria Faye Bateman Roberts of Shawboro, NC, and Helen Marie “Marie” Munson (husband Bill) of River Edge, NJ; and sister-in-law, Jo Ann Snowden Hayman Morris of Maple; as well as many cousins, nephews and nieces.

After graduation from J.P. Knapp High School in 1961, Martha Jo attended Louisburg College for two years.  She graduated from Louisburg College in 1963 with an Associate degree in Business. While studying at Louisburg College she was president of Phi Beta Lambda Honor Society during her Senior Year.

Martha Jo moved back to Currituck County after college and married “John Jr.” Snowden.  She helped John Jr. with both his billboard and eel-pot manufacturing business. Working in the Currituck County School System for 24 years (1980 to 2004) as a teacher’s assistant at Central Elementary School, in 1987, she was recognized as Currituck County Schools “Aide of the Year”.  In her spare time, she also tutored students who needed extra help.

An accomplished homemaker, Martha Jo enjoyed gardening, home canning, and always having time to go fishing in Coinjock Bay, Currituck Sound or one of the many piers along the Outer Banks. Martha Jo was above all else, a master quilter, a passion which she shared with her mother, Gladys, her sisters, Gloria and Marie, and her daughter Ginger. She carried on this passion and art form to the very day she passed.

A celebration of the life of Martha will be held on Saturday, December 11, 2021 from 12 noon to 3 pm at Rehoboth Baptist Church,  296 Maple Rd., Maple, NC 27956.  Attire is casual and lunch will be provided.  Donations to Crawford Township Volunteer Fire Department :  OPERATION SANTA may be made in Martha’s name at: http://www.crawfordfire.org/donate.html

Expressions of sympathy and comfort are welcome, via the on-line register at www.gallopfuneralservices.com. Gallop Funeral Services, Inc was entrusted with arrangements.