Grace Snively facts for kids

Grace Snively (born Mason; July 29, 1913 – August 6, 2014) was a dedicated community activist in Maryland. Starting in the 1950s, she worked hard to improve women's health. She focused on finding cancer early, especially in areas where people of different races were kept separate.

Grace also championed civil rights and helped people register to vote. She was involved in many charitable groups. She served as a chief election judge in Washington County, Maryland. In 2006, she was honored by being added to the Maryland Women's Hall of Fame.

Early Life and Family

Grace Mason was born on July 29, 1913. Her hometown was Hedgesville, West Virginia. Her parents were Marshall and Naomi Mason. Grace said her mother taught her the importance of helping others. Her mother often assisted sick or needy people in their community.

On May 1, 1943, Grace married Russell Snively. Their wedding was at an Episcopal church in Hancock, Maryland. After they married, the couple moved to Hagerstown. There, Grace worked for Jack Beachley. Grace Snively passed away on August 6, 2014, in Hagerstown. She was 101 years old.

Helping the Community

Grace Snively was well-known for her service. She spent many years working to make her community better. Her efforts touched many lives.

Improving Health for Women

In the 1950s, Grace volunteered with the American Cancer Society. She worked as a medical educator in segregated parts of Hagerstown. She shared important information about health. She also gave out home kits for Pap smears. These kits helped women check for early signs of cancer.

People called her "the cancer woman." Her work changed how the community thought about women's health. It also helped save many women's lives. Grace also worked with March of Dimes. She helped the local health department give polio vaccines. This helped protect people in the community from polio.

Fighting for Civil Rights

Grace Snively also worked for civil rights. She encouraged people to register to vote in western Maryland. She was part of the League of Women Voters. For 30 years, she served as an election judge in Washington County. She was later chosen to be the chief judge.

Grace also volunteered at the Maryland Correctional Institution. She was on a committee that helped inmates. They worked to create programs. These programs helped people successfully return to society.

Other Volunteer Work

Grace Snively volunteered with many other groups. These included The Salvation Army and the American Red Cross. She also helped United Way and Hagerstown Day Nursery.

Grace was also very active in her church. She was a member of Ebenezer AME church for 71 years. She held many different roles there. These included missionary, trustee, and delegate to the general conference.

Daughters of the Elks

Grace Snively was also a member of the Daughters of the Elks. She joined this organization in 1945. As a member of Sharon Temple 160, she had many roles. She chaperoned debutante balls. She was also a delegate to the Tri-State Association Convention. Later, she became the state president.

Awards and Recognition

Grace Snively received many honors for her community service. In 1993, she got a community service award. This was from the Washington County branch of the NAACP. They recognized her work for civil rights.

In 1999, she received the Governor's Volunteer Award. Grace Snively was inducted into the Maryland Women's Hall of Fame in 2006. For her 100th birthday in 2013, she received special written messages. These came from Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley and from Barack Obama and Michelle Obama.