Welcome to the memorial page for
Janet G. Snavely
March 26, 1922 ~ February 1, 2017 (age 94) 94 Years Old Light a Candle
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Message from Tara Taylor
February 19, 2017 7:15 PM
I had the privilege of staying with Jan for part of a week when Brad and Mary Kay were traveling in the fall. I had been mulling over an (expensive) opportunity to take a trip to Europe, a place that I have never been. I asked Jan what she thought, and she said, "We all need something to look forward to". I purchased the trip and will think of her while I'm there, and thank God in advance for my adventure. She gave me the courage to look forward to the future.
I shared with Jan that I was experiencing a significant personal loss, to which she answered "I'm sorry", then proceeded to ask me what I was like when I was a girl. Nobody has ever asked me that question. She didn't dwell on my circumstances, she helped me to realize that I am a person with a life ahead of me to live.
That week, I could hear Jan listening to praise music downstairs in the morning, and saw her reading the Bible. She worked one of our conversations into a question, which was "How did I come to love Jesus?" So I shared my testimony with her. Jan gave me a mental picture of what it looks like to be a missionary and walk faithfully with God in your old age. What a privilege it was for me know Jan for a little while!
P.S. I also got to meet "Lucy" and hear her talk!
I shared with Jan that I was experiencing a significant personal loss, to which she answered "I'm sorry", then proceeded to ask me what I was like when I was a girl. Nobody has ever asked me that question. She didn't dwell on my circumstances, she helped me to realize that I am a person with a life ahead of me to live.
That week, I could hear Jan listening to praise music downstairs in the morning, and saw her reading the Bible. She worked one of our conversations into a question, which was "How did I come to love Jesus?" So I shared my testimony with her. Jan gave me a mental picture of what it looks like to be a missionary and walk faithfully with God in your old age. What a privilege it was for me know Jan for a little while!
P.S. I also got to meet "Lucy" and hear her talk!
Message from Ruth Bennett
February 17, 2017 7:06 PM
I am so sorry to hear of your mom's passing. As I was thinking about her, a memory of a Sunday at your house in Ingwavuma came to mind. We were all sitting in your living room on chairs facing the window that looked down the hill towards our house. Your mom was leading Sunday School; the topic was the book of Esther. I can picture her now, smiling and telling us that she thought the story showed God must have a sense of humor. :)
Sending love to all of you, Ruth
P.S. I enjoyed her book, "Wings Over Zululand". It brought back many memories.
Sending love to all of you, Ruth
P.S. I enjoyed her book, "Wings Over Zululand". It brought back many memories.
Message from Jennifer (Greene) Duncan
February 16, 2017 4:54 PM
The first things you noticed about "Aunt" Jan were her smile and those wonderful dimples. As you got to know her better, you noticed her strength of character, warm and engaging humor, and her creativity. John and her children were her great loves and I'm sure this will stay with them as they continue on and are eventually reunited with their parents.
Message from Ann Morrill Boucher
February 14, 2017 3:37 PM
Who can think of Auntie Janet without a smile on your face and sheer joy in your heart? I was 8 years old when the Snavely family arrived at Mosvold Mission Hospital where my Dad was one of the staff physicians. I clearly remember the excitement on the night they arrived, albeit a little later than anticipated. Uncle John and Auntie Janet and family soon became part of the larger Mosvold family. Auntie Janet was always up to something in the best way possible. She seemed to be a very creative person and was always fun-loving. To this day, I think of her when I read Psalm 27. One school vacation, she and perhaps some of the other mothers, made small booklets for each of us children, with construction paper. Each verse of the Psalm was typed out and glued to the pages. The edges were cut with pinking shears. We were all encouraged to memorize the entire Psalm and told there would be a prize if we did. After much anticipation and a treasure hunt, we were each given flashlights. .....a big deal for us at that time and so appropriate with Psalm 27 starting with "The Lord is my Light". What a joy to have been influenced by such godly and wonderful people for most of my childhood. My deepest sympathy to John, Robert, Mike, Mary Kay and Ann, forever fellow MK's, on the loss of your Mom.
Message from Dave Carlson
February 13, 2017 10:43 AM
I am so thankful for the memory of this kind Auntie Jan who provided such a safe place to visit in my early years. A lovely lady that welcomed us little people into her home and treated us as friends. My memories of her bring joy and peace!
Message from Linda Dymond
February 10, 2017 11:57 AM
Dear Mike & Carrie, So sorry to hear of the loss of your mom. Praying for comfort for your family rejoicing she is with the Lord. Linda Dymond
Message from Patty Mattes (Berean Community Group, Centreville Baptist Church)
February 9, 2017 9:14 PM
I will truly miss Janet. I loved seeing her smiling face in our Sunday School class. I loved her insightful comments. I'm so glad I got to give her a big hug. She reminded me a bit of my mom. I know there will be wonderful reunions in heaven and dear comfort from our Lord Jesus Christ.
Message from Mary Jonas
February 9, 2017 12:43 AM
To Jan's family: when I read the other day of Jan's passing my comment to a friend was..."I always smile when I think of Jan. She was such a homey, down to earth , positive individual." Her love for the Lord, her family and anyone she came into contact with was evident. It was a treat to visit the Snavely home. Whether it was their crazy cockatoo dive bombing you as you walked through the living room, or Jans wonderful meals, you always left encouraged.
It is comforting to know that Jan is with her Saviour and we will see her again one day. Be assured of my prayers for you all. -Mary
It is comforting to know that Jan is with her Saviour and we will see her again one day. Be assured of my prayers for you all. -Mary
A candle was lit by Bonita Sherrell
on February 6, 2017 2:29 PM
A candle was lit by Sheila McCallister
on February 6, 2017 3:59 AM
Message from Lil Payne (née MacKenzie)
February 5, 2017 5:47 PM
Aunty Jan's Christmas letter for 2016 was rich with her indomitable spirit and humor. Mom and Dad so enjoyed her both in Durban and when she visited them in western Canada some years ago. I'm so glad to have a copy of Wings over Zululand as Aunt Jan lives through her writing for those of us left behind. Her joy is complete now that she's Home with Jesus and so many who've gone before.
Message from Wayne & Cindy Tshudy
February 5, 2017 3:14 PM
Our deepest condolences to the Snavely family. We knew Jan only for her last decade on this earth but loved hearing the stories of her time in the mission field. It was only a few years ago that, at 90 years old, she played piano at our church and taught her own Bible study. What a blessing to know she is now in the presence of her Lord and Savior. Well done, good and faithful servant.
Message from Durban, South Africa
February 5, 2017 2:07 PM
On behalf of the TEAM-Southern Africa family, I would like to extend our love, sympathy and prayer. Although I did not have the privilege of meeting Jan, I have often heard many stories of fond memories from missionaries and nationals alike. I pray your fond memories will bring joy to your hearts as God brings His peace. I look forward to the day we will all meet in Heaven.
Marcie Gustafson, for the TEAM-mates in Southern Africa
Marcie Gustafson, for the TEAM-mates in Southern Africa
Message from Myerstown
February 4, 2017 3:57 PM
Dear family of Jan, We love you and are praying for you as you all look to our Lord for comfort, strength and grace. We loved Jan, her personality, her stories, and her joy in serving the Lord. What a testimony she had to us and to all who knew her!
Just imagine what JOY she is experiencing now!....Finally Home!!
With sincere sympathy and empathy, Craig and Marsha M
Just imagine what JOY she is experiencing now!....Finally Home!!
With sincere sympathy and empathy, Craig and Marsha M
Message from Auntie Fern Larson
February 4, 2017 7:34 AM
What fun we had with Jan and the whole Snavely family! I remember the fun parties we had at Ingwavuma and the creativity of the whole family in planning them. I had several good visits with Jan in her lovely home in PA when I was on furlough. She used to say when starting out on a trip "I can hardly wait to start snacking! " And what good snacks they were! I can just imagine you kids "remembering when". God bless and comfort you.
Message from Jackie Young (Precept Studies)
February 3, 2017 10:41 PM
Jan was an incredible insight into our Bible Studies. A woman of few but profound words in our discussions. She was delightful, sweet and always smiling. I hope she is looking down on us smiling, and praying for her Jewish Dr friend. My family sends condolences to all whose lives she impacted for the Kingdom. Her peace is fulfilled in Jesus' name. God bless you all.
Message from Katie Gurzi
February 3, 2017 12:09 PM
Jan is an unforgettable, fun-loving, more than life, woman of God. I use the present tense because she is even more alive now than when she was earth-bound. Jan lit up every room she entered and brightened every life she touched. My only regret is that our paths were so far apart that I never was able to spend as much time with her as I would have liked. But that matters little now...eternity in heaven awaits. My loving condolences to all the family. Jan can't be replaced, but memories stored in the heart, with the passing of time and the grace of God, will help ease the sorrow of her absence. .
Message from Jon Morrill in Lafayette, Louisiana
February 3, 2017 9:29 AM
It was I who as a kid of 12 rang the mission station bell to announce the arrival of the Snavely family at Mosvold Mission Hospital in 1958. Over the ensuing years I got to know the family, including Uncle John's love of aviation, the rich sounds of Aunt Janet's piano playing, and the children's enjoyment of bugs, critters, and mechanical devices. Our lives were all enriched by knowing Uncle John & Aunt Janet: I mourn with you at her recent passing and I hope for comfort and strength for you who remain.
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