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1942 – 2021

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 memorial service celebrating the life of our mother, wife, sister, and friend will be held at Rehoboth Baptist Church, Maple, NC in early December and will be announced later this month. A private service and interment will be held afterward.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Crawford Township Volunteer Fire Department in support of the departments bringing Santa to our community.

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

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