Mary Bradley Snead | Eastern North Carolina Now

    Mary Bradley Snead passed away peacefully on July 30, 2025, under the compassionate care of Hospice House in Greenville, North Carolina. She was born October 10, 1943, in Magnolia, Mississippi, the daughter of the late Dr. Harold J. Bradley, Sr. and Elizabeth W. Bradley of Greensboro, NC. Mary was also preceded in death by her husband, Lawrence C. Snead of Oak Island, NC; her brother, Dr. H. John Bradley, Jr., and his wife Mary A. Bradley, all of Greensboro, NC. After World War II, Mary's family settled in Greensboro, where she graduated from the final class of Greensboro High School.

    Mary is lovingly survived by three sons and their families - Archie Jennings (Lydie) of Washington, NC, and their children Sarah, Neill IV (Leah), and Henry Jennings; Duncan Jennings (Ashley) of Raleigh, NC, and their children Lewis and Isla Jennings; and Andy Snead (Kelly) of Oak Island, NC, and their sons Jason and Brian Bailey. She is also remembered fondly by many cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

    Mary dedicated 57 years to child welfare, serving as a caseworker, supervisor, and contractor in Franklin, Robeson, Pitt, and Brunswick Counties, leaving a lasting impact on countless children and families. She also served as an adjunct professor of Social Work at UNC Pembroke and East Carolina University, mentoring future social workers. A graduate of Randolph College, she earned a degree in Latin and a Master of Social Work from UNC Chapel Hill.

    Deeply devoted to her Oak Island community, Mary served two terms on the town council and as Mayor Pro Tem. She was a faithful member and Elder of Oak Island Evangelical Presbyterian Church, teaching Sunday School, chairing committees, and sharing her gifts with her church family. She also volunteered at the Oak Island Senior Center and championed numerous civic causes, always advocating for the vulnerable. In April 2024, she was awarded the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, North Carolina's highest honor for state service.

    A service celebrating Mary's life will be held at Oak Island Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 1503 E. Oak Island Dr., Oak Island, NC 28465, on Saturday, August 16, at 11:00 a.m.

    In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Oak Island Evangelical Presbyterian Church Emergency Family Assistance Fund or the Service Leage of Greenville Inpatient Hospice House via the ECU Health Foundation.

    Paul Funeral Home & Crematory of Washington is honored to serve the Snead family.